Jeff Sweeney
Superintendent Fillmore Unified School District

Many in the Fillmore community appreciated the new stadium as our football teams, both junior varsity and varsity, had seasons that will be remembered for years to come. Recall last year our watching the progress of the stadium being redone, students, staff, and community waiting in anticipation. Both teams delivered this year with record-setting seasons, shattering several team and individual records. We anticipate the same success next year from these teams. And, we anticipate that our student athletes in soccer and track and field will have the same successful seasons this year.

As you can see when you drive by the stadium, it is still a work in progress. There were some snags found on the field turf prior to the football season that necessitated its total removal and reinstallation. The track, too, has caused some delays. Just like the field turf, the installer is responsible for delivering a first-rate track. Currently, you can see plastic sheeting around the track as the contractor rushes to complete the field so that soccer and track and field can use the stadium this year.

We had hoped that the track could have been completed by now, but several delays have kept that from occurring. First, the original track surface was unsatisfactorily installed, at no fault of the district, and had to be repaired. The repairs to the field were delayed because of the success of the FHS football team as it made it to the CIF semi-finals. Once the football season ended, the soccer teams wanted to use the fields in preparation for the new season. Soccer practice, pre-season games, and two tournaments were scheduled, delaying the finalization of the track even more. We anticipated that the work on the track would occur during the two week Winter Break. Some work was done, but, unfortunately, Mother Nature took over and created more delays due to rain and then wind.

That is where we are today. As long as the winds are present, the final repairs to the track cannot be completed. Once that is completed, the track can then be lined and ready for the track and field season. Unfortunately, these delays have had an impact on the soccer season for our six teams if we don’t catch a break with the weather.

We anticipate that the FHS stadium will serve the needs of our District for years to come. Thanks for your patience with these delays as we make sure that there is quality workmanship in the stadium. Then, we can all enjoy the stadium, celebrating the successes of our student athletes and outstanding coaching staff.

(SCVBank; OTC BB: SCVE.OB) today announced a cash dividend of $.10 per share payable January 20, 2009 to shareholders of record as of December 26, 2008. This is SCVBank’s first dividend declaration.

Chairman Guy Cole remarked, “We are very proud to SCVBank Announces Dividend be able to announce a dividend
at this time. The dividend represents the board’s gratitude to our shareholders for their loyalty and commitment and reaffirms the strength of the Bank’s capital position. While so many other financial institutions have either failed, or cut back their dividends, the approval of a new dividend reflects SCV Bank’s long-term strategy
of providing conservative, relationship-based credit.” Michael D. Hause, President and CEO stated, “The dividend goes hand-in-hand with our Five-Star “Superior” performing bank rating by BauerFinancial, Inc. At yearend 2008, the Bank’s assets were $121.0 million”.

Conway Spitler

This is the time of year to think, and then have to act, on income taxes! Take the time to go to The Econ4U Quiz on the web. Take the quiz and see how you are doing!
This group suggests five useful tips for managing your finances in the New Year.
Don't incur any overdraft or insufficient funds. Make a budget and eliminate unnecessary expenses. Pay your bills on time. Find out what your credit is. Reassess all of your fixed bills. Go to: www.econ4u.org/media.cfm

What a ride you have starting from River Street and going north! You come to the automatic traffic signal at the highway. And it seems that Cal Trans has lengthened the time that you wait for the "going through town’ers" speed through the City of Fillmore.
You then are jolted by the "repaves" on Central Avenue. Then the bumps of the railroad track. On to the former diggings and then refilled street with all the bumps, etc. and you arrive at the new stop sign.
And if that isn't enough, you go further up the Central Avenue and you come to new diggings on the broken sewer line!
It really keeps you alert these days!

Sespe Players announce auditions for the upcoming production of "The Pole Creek Radio Hour"
to be performed the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May, six performances.

This is a truly unique production featuring radio skits of the Lone Ranger, Superman, Mystery Theatre, Abbot and Costello as well as musical and comedy numbers.
This will be an evening's entertainment for the whole family.
We are looking for actors, singers, musicians, and backstage help.
Please come by the Trinity Episcopal Church Tuesday, Jan. 27, Thursday Jan. 29 and/or Monday Feb. 2 at 6:45 for auditions. Call backs with be Thursday, Feb. 5.
We will hold rehearsals on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for the month of February at the Episcopal Church.
For More Info call 524-3275

John Parker
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John Parker Chair
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Norman Kirk
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Norman Kirk Chair
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The Ventura Music Festival’s 15th Season Art exhibition features a collection of 15 handcrafted chairs all to be auctioned off at its key fundraiser for the year on March 14, 2009.

In the past four years, the Ventura Music Festival has partnered with the local art community to help raise funds for the Festival. This year, in honor of its 15th anniversary, the Festival’s art exhibition celebrates each year since its founding by commissioning 15 one-of-a-kind “Musical Chairs.”

Each handcrafted chair features a unique perspective as artists feature their own style and interpretation of the Festival’s theme – Ruskaya: Music…the Soul of Russia. Interested parties also can now place bids on chairs prior to the auction through the Festival’s website at: www.venturamusicfestival.org.

Prior to the auction, all 15 chairs will remain on display at various venues throughout Ventura County.

Through February 15:

Affinity Bank & Trust, 101 S. Chestnut Street, Ventura

First California Bank of Oxnard, 300 E. Esplanade Drive, #102, Oxnard

Santa Barbara Bank, 250 S. Mills Road, Ventura

Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street, Ventura

Fox Fine Jewelry, 210 E. Main Street, Ventura

San Buenaventura Artists Union Gallery, 330 S. California Street, Ventura (through Feb. 8 only)

Studio Channel Islands Art Center, 519 South C Street, Oxnard

February 16 – March 6:

Rabobank, 300 S. Mills Road, Ventura

Weaver Wines, 14 S. California Street, Ventura

Primavera Art Gallery, 214 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai

Tower Club, 300 E. Esplanade Drive, #1455, Oxnard

Red Brick Gallery, 328 E. Main Street, Ventura

Crowne Plaza Hotel, 450 Harbor Blvd., Ventura

March 6 – 13:

All 15 chairs will come together and remain on display at Discovery Gallery, Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau, 101 S. California Street, Ventura

Annual gala and fundraiser, March 14

The Ventura Music Festival’s annual gala and fundraiser, themed White Russian Nights is March 14 at the Four Points by Sheraton in the Ventura Harbor. Guests will enjoy a festive evening of fine dining, wine and entertainment, including a live auction of 15 Musical Chairs. Visit the website www.venturamusicfestival.org or call (805) 648-3146 for more information or to purchase tickets.

ATTACHED ARTIST PHOTO AND BIO

ALL 15 chair and artist images are available upon request from PR@consortium-media.com.

Artists Norman Kirk and John Parker are just two of 15 local artists participating in the Ventura Music Festivals art exhibition, “Musical Chairs.” In all, 15 chairs were created to celebrate the Festival’s 15th anniversary season. Norman Kirk’s chair photo courtesy of Schaf Photo. John Parker’s chair photo courtesy of Photo by Derek.

About the Artists

Norman Kirk: A resident of Santa Paula, artist Norman Kirk is best known for his watercolor paintings. A signature member of the National Watercolor Society, Watercolor West and the gold Coast Watercolor Society, he studied the classics at the Cleveland Museum of Art and continued his studies at the Los Angeles Art Center School of Design, UCLA, Chouinards, De Paul University and Ventura college where he has also taught watercolor painting since 1982.

He has been the cover artist and program book illustrator for the Ventura Co. Design House since 1994 and was a combat artist during WW II. His paintings have won countless awards in juried shows and has works presented in galleries and museums throughout California.

A lover of music and a passion for painting have overlapped and intertwined in ways that are difficult to explain throughout my life,” Kirk says. “My personal expression of the chair, titled ‘Adagio,’ contains images of composers, musicians, instruments, and other symbols representing the world of music. They are depicted with a combination of collage, original painted compositions, and unified with brushwork woven through the juxtaposed imagery.”

John Parker: John Parker, a visual artist, musician, graphic artist and resident of Ventura, is inspired to create art by modern art masters such as Modigliani, Picasso, Gustav Klimt and European poster art of the early 20th Century.

He has created graphics for local events such as Downtown ArtWalk and now serves on the Board of Directors at San Buenaventura Artists Union Gallery. This year marks his fourth season creating signature art, brochures, ads and all graphics for the Ventura Music Festival.

When describing his chair, Parker says “Listen! Has the music stopped? When it does.....have a seat! Here, where light and darkness meet, where day and night cast purple shadows on the street. A swirling phantasmagoria of color and rhythm surround you, hypnotizing you into dream....but wait! The music has started again....you must rise up and dance!”

Entertainer, Phil Birdsell
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The Fillmore Ebell Club will be entertained this month by popular entertainer, Phil Birdsell, at the Veterans Memorial building on January 27, 2009.

Phil is a popular entertainer, singer, songwriter, impressionist, and D.J., and a man of many voices.

One of Southern California's most requested entertainer and D.J.'s is Phil Birdsell. Since 1980, Phil has been perfecting his vocal and entertaining abilities in night clubs, on cruise ships, at private parties, weddings and corporate functions all over Southern California and North America. He loves making people happy with his musical, vocal impressions and song, that include a musical repertoire of Pop, and Classics from the 30's to today. His wonderful original music, which he has on CD, reflects his strong love of life, family, God and country. Phil Birdsell is truly a "One Man Entertainment Package," that will help make any event or party a tremendous success.

Anyone interested in more information, or becoming a member of the Fillmore Ebell Club, may call Trisha Armstrong at 805-727-1901.

Learn more about prevention as well as the early detection and treatment of heart disease at a morning-long symposium that Community Memorial Health System is holding on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo.

This free public education program will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Co-sponsors include the American Heart Association, the HeartAware Healthy Heart Program and KVTA 1520 News/Talk Radio.

The AHA states that cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one cause of death in both males and females affecting more than 22 million Americans each year.

This educational symposium will focus on the causes and risk factors that contribute to heart disease, dietary and lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of heart disease, diagnostic and treatment options and practical preventive strategies the public can use to reduce their risk of heart problems that remain the leading cause of death in the United States. Expert speakers will include cardiac medical, nutrition and surgical specialists associated with CMHS.

Space is limited, so call for reservations at 652-5385, or go to www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp. A light continental breakfast and snack is included.

Spanish Hills Country Club is located at 999 Crestview Drive in Camarillo.

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular Friday trash and recycling collection schedule in Fillmore on Jan. 23, during the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 19-24.

For more information, call 647-1414.

Fillmore Church of Christ is planning a special day of encouragement for Jeanie Allred in support of her recent diagnosis of Breast Cancer. Jeanie is preparing to undergo treatment this month and we would like to invite you to a special event in her honor. Please join us for worship services followed by a potluck to share your love and encouragement for Jeanie. Some of us are even sporting pink for the occasion!

Date: Sunday, January 18th
Time: Worship Service @ 10:30 & Potluck begins around Noon
Place: Church of Christ - 219 Mountain View Street, Fillmore, CA
What to Bring: Your favorite dish for the potluck

For more info, visit www.fillmorechurchofchrist.com

Conway Spitler

The internet has made so many things obsolete that newspaper classified ads might sound like just another trivial item on a long list. But this is one of those harbingers of the future that could signal the end of civilization as we know it. The arguments is that if newspaper classifieds are replaced by free online lisitngs at sites like Craigslist.org and Google Base, then newspapers are not far behind.

Pit Toilets: By the 2000 Census, the number of Americans who lacked indoor plumbing was down to 0.6%. Even though that's still an awful lot of Americans using an outhouse or pit toilet--670,000 households or 1.3 million people--it's a huge improvement from 1950 when 27% of households (and over half of rural households) didn't have complete indoor plumbing.

Casual day outings in the local mountains, forests and shores have for generations been the soul of the Sierra Club and now, for the first time ever, the Los Padres Chapter (Ventura – Santa Barbara counties) has created a Wilderness Basics Course to take you further into adventure.

The WBC is a course designed to help you go deeper into the wild places in comfort and safety, with low impact and enhancing an appreciation and wonder of the backcountry. A dedicated staff of volunteer leaders will demonstrate the skills in a personal, hands-on approach over eight weeks in classroom and outdoor outings beginning January 20.

“This is a great opportunity to share your love of the outdoors with others,” said Suzanne Tanaka, who is coordinating the outings.

"I have seen such programs literally change a person's life. The confidence people develop as they learn new skills and the joy of adventure they experience in the wilderness combine to deepen their understanding of nature," added Teresa Norris, the WBC Chair, who has been both a student and leader in similar courses.
The lectures will cover backpacking, clothing and equipment, first aid, safety, navigation, weather, animal tracking and much more, such as tips from experienced hikers that you won’t find in books. You’ll also get cooking advice and find out how a meal tastes so much better in the outdoors.

You will also learn how to travel in different conditions through weekend outings led by the staff, which include day hikes, a car camp, and two backpack adventures in the local mountains.

The course will use a tried and true updated guidebook called “Wilderness Basics,” along with handouts of important topics. Each time you go on an outing, you will be given a topographical map of the area and learn how to use it.

Participants must supply their own equipment, which may be purchased, borrowed from a friend or staff, or rented.
Persons 18 years of age who are in reasonable health are eligible to take the course and you need not be a Sierra Club member. To enhance your enjoyment, bring along a friend or family member.

The course runs from January 20 to March 10 with meetings every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. in the Ventura City Hall Community Room.

Price is $145 for Sierra Club members and $160 for non-members.

For further information or to register, call coordinator Teresa Norris at 524-7170 or email at LosPadresWBC@gmail.com. Details are also on the chapter’s website: www.lospadres.sierraclub.org/wbc.

The Rancho Camulos Docent Council is starting 2009 with a full month of activities while the museum is closed to the public. On Saturday, January 10th, they will spend the day pruning over 250 roses in the gardens with lunch provided. Everyone interested in working for the day is invited to bring their clippers and gloves.
A field trip to the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society and Placerita Canyon Natural Area will be held on Sunday January 11th. This day will increase the docents' knowledge of local history in that section of the original San Francisco land grant.
A new docent training class will begin on Saturday, January 17th and run for three Saturdays. Mike Harutunian, teacher at College of the Canyons, will present the history of the Families of Camulos. Docent Gordon Uppman will present the background on Helen Hunt Jackson and her book, Ramona, with emphasis on the Californio period at Camulos. The last meeting will cover the adobe architecture with slides by Judy Triem, a well known historian in the Santa Clara River Valley. Anyone interested in joining the Docent Council is urged to call the museum office to register for training. 521-1501.
Docents are asked to work two days a month, dress in costume for special occasions and pay dues of $10 a year. Everyone is welcome to join the Council.
Museum docents do public tours and assist with school field trips starting again in February. They also work in the office and gardens and keep the museum gift shop open so many hands are welcomed. This National Historical Site is one of the few in California that shows Early California History on a working ranch.

Peter Case
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Santa Paula Theater Center presents its first of five concerts of the year. "An Evening With Peter Case and special guest Crosby Tyler", Sat. January 10th. The doors open at 8:00 PM, concert starts at 8:30 PM. Tickets are $25.00 each. This is a kick off for Peter Case’s year-long European tour.

After 30-plus years as one of America’s most enduring and treasured songwriters, Troubadour prince Peter Case has made his most direct and affecting work to date. Case’s first album of original material since 2002, Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John is naked and aching calling to mind the best of the one-man-and-a-guitar ethos that has acted as the backbone of American songwriting since the early 20th century.

Case began his career as a teenage street musician in L.A. during the heyday of punk before forming the seminal power pop bands The Plimsouls and The Nerves. Going on to work with legends like T-Bone Burnett, Ry Cooder and David Hidalg Case has been honored with a three-disc tribute album by legends like Victoria Williams and Dave Alvin. Despite the accolades from his peers, Case is still focusing on making quality new music.

Guest Crosby Tyler performs a fusion of 60's pop mixed with a versatility of songwriting against a backdrop of urban Americana.

Stay informed by checking the Santa Paula Theater Center website for the most current play productions front and back stage and the four additional concerts through out the year. http://www.santapaulatheatercenter.org/

Conway Spitler

If you wish to become Danish, you; must attend three years of language classes. You must pass a test on Denmark’s
history, culture, and a Danish language test. You must live in Denmark for seven years before applying for citizenship. You must demonstrate an intent to work, and have a job waiting. If you wish to bring a spouse into Denmark, you must both be over 24 years of age, and you won’t find it so easy anymore to move your friends and
family to Denmark with you.

“If you don’t read the newspaper you are uninformed, if; you do read the newspaper; you are misinformed.” Mark
Twain

1. The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the country.
2. The Washington Post is read by people who think they run the country.
3. The New York Times is read by people who think they should run the country and who are very good at crossword puzzles.
4. USA Today is read by people who think they ought to run the country but don't really understand The New York Times. They do, however, like their statistics shown in pie charts in color.
5. The Los Angeles Times is read by people who wouldn't mind running the country -- if they could find the time -- and if they didn't have to leave Southern California to do it or take those pesky drug tests.
6. The Boston Globe is read by people whose parents used to run the country and did a poor job of it, thank you very much.
7. The New York Daily News is read by people who aren't too sure who's running the country and don't really care as long as they can get a seat on the train and the Yankees win.
8. The New York Post is read by people who don't care who is running the country as long as they do something really scandalous, preferably while intoxicated and the Mets win.
9. The Miami Herald is read by people who are running another country but need the baseball scores to see how the Mets & Yankees did.
10. The San Francisco Chronicle is read by people who aren't sure if there is a country or that anyone is running it; but if so, they oppose all that it stands for. There are occasional exceptions if the leaders are handicapped minority feminist atheist bisexual dwarfs who also happen to be illegal aliens from any other country or galaxy, provided of course, that they are not Republicans.
11. The National Enquirer is read by people trapped in line at the grocery store.
12. The Seattle Times is read by people who have recently caught a fish and need something to wrap it in.
13. The Fillmore Gazette is read by people who want the local city and community news, and enjoy a feisty editorial.

The Ventura County Library community libraries will be closed Monday, January 19, 2009, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

The fourteen Ventura County Library community libraries include Avenue Library, Camarillo Library, Fillmore Library, E. P. Foster Library, Meiners Oaks Library, Oak Park Library, Oak View Library, Ojai Library, Piru Library, Ray D. Prueter Library, Saticoy Library, Simi Valley Library, Albert H. Soliz Library, and H. P. Wright Library. Books may be returned to the bookdrops at any of the community libraries.

The Ventura County Library is available via the internet, 24 hours a day, at www.vencolibrary.org.