Ventura, CA. – As part of its ongoing commitment to family strengthening, the Ventura Family YMCA celebrates military families during the nation’s first National Military Family Month.

“The Ventura Family YMCA recognizes the sacrifices that members of the military and their families make on a daily basis,” said Kate Bucey, Administrative Services Director of the Ventura Family YMCA. “We celebrate National Military Family Month, and we are honored to provide support to families of deployed military service members.”

In 2008, in an effort to expand access to health and well-being resources to military families, the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) and the Department of Defense teamed up with the nation’s YMCAs to provide eligible military families and active duty personnel with access to youth development, family strengthening, and health and well-being programs through memberships and respite child care services at community YMCAs nationwide.
In its first year, the YMCA Military Outreach Initiative has seen more than 22,000 YMCA family and individual memberships. The program has also served more than 36,000 military children. In Ventura County the Ventura Family YMCA is serving dozens of families with full facility memberships which are subsidized through the ASYMCA-DoD Outreach Initiative. During November, the Ventura Family YMCA will celebrate Military Family Month with additional special activities, such as the YMCA Thanksgiving potluck on November 18th starting at 6pm. The potluck is a special way for the Ventura Family YMCA staff, facility members and members of the community to come together for a celebration of thanks.

First established by ASYMCA and recognized by First CONTINUED »

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!!

Conway Spitler

Findings from a survey on "Feelings about pets". Where do you stand? 36% none, 42% 1, 61% Feeling about pets, 8% looking for a pet, 61% looking for a pet - not the right time to get it, 16% think about a pet from time to time, 15% thinking.

Fillmore High Alumni Association

The alumni office received the following e-mail from Linda Jackson Durand, class of '65, and it is felt that she has expressed the concerns of many alumni members of Fillmore High School:
Last Friday night Fillmore High School played Grace Brethren and won which made them the Frontier League Champions. At the end of the game, Susan Dollar and I began to sing the Alma Mater and most of the people in the crowd sang along with us. What pride we all had in our team and what pride we had that so many people in the stands knew the song.
Sadly, I don't believe this song is known by most of the Fillmore High Students. When I was in high school, the cheerleading squad began singing this song after each basketball, football and baseball game. Unfortunately, our cheerleaders don't do the same today. Since it is the cheerleaders responsibility to keep the crowd cheering and supporting the players I would love to see it become mandatory for the cheerleaders to know both the Alma Mater, Fillmore Fight Song and have a basic knowledge of the games. This is something that all the kids and the community could participate in and be proud of. Greg Godfrey is doing an excellent job with the band. The band does play the Fight Song...but again sadly, I don't believe most students know the words.
Wouldn't it be wonderful for the school and community spirit if EVERYONE knew the words to these songs?? Perhaps this is something that Mr. Wilbur and the teachers can work on together for the students. This spirit is something that a small school like Fillmore can enjoy in the present and it will make memories for their future.
Linda Durand, class of '65
Inasmuch as the alumni Board of Directors and the Scholarship CONTINUED »

Our Third Annual Poinsettia Sale to benefit the Fillmore Historical Museum. We appreciate your support! Mail your order to: Fillmore Historical Museum, P.O. Box 314, Fillmore, CA 93016, or call your order in at 524-0948, ore-mail your order to: fillmore.museum@sbcglobal.net. Our large, lush red poinsettias are only $10.00 each. Tell your friends and relatives. Call for more details. Orders may be picked up on Saturday, December 5, 2009. Please make checks payable to: Fillmore Historical Museum. Thank you.

The Fillmore Ebell Club will be entertained this month by members of the Bardsdale United Methodist Church Handbell Choir, the Orange Pealers, at the Veterans Memorial building on November 24, 2009.

The Bardsdale United Methodist Church Orange Pealers started in 1989 as a direct result of a memorial gift given by the Dorman family in memory of Helen Lidamore’s father, Harold Dorman. The two-octave choir was started with a great deal of enthusiasm, but not a great deal of bell ringing experience, for no one had ever rung a bell before! After one year, the original director stepped down and Marcia Heerema volunteered to be the director.

Again the Orange Pealers were faced with the same problem, no previous bell experience! However, membership in the Area XII American Guild of English Handbell Ringers has made a huge difference. The choir has attended many bell conferences and is proud to say that they have graduated from “tins” to “coppers,” with an occasional “bronze” moment and are still ringing merrily every Sunday. The choir has purchased two additional octaves of bells, as well as three octaves of hand chimes which together provide a variety of lovely sounds.

Currently the choir has eight members: Barbara Mayberry, Helen Lidamore, Donna Wood, Irene Morris, Jann Duchacek, Mimi Burns, and Ralph Duchacek. We are fortunate to have two wonderful guest ringers: Rev.Wilbur and Dee Skeels who are assisting us in our Christmas program.

The choir practices Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. Anyone interested in ringing or flinging a bell is invited to join us. Just call Marcia Heerema, at 524-3674.

Anyone interested in more information, or becoming a member of the Fillmore Ebell Club, may call Pat Murray at 524-1825.

Soroptimist International of Fillmore announces their Annual Fashion Show to be held on Saturday, November 21 at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, 511 Second Street, Fillmore. This year’s theme is “Holiday’s Galore.”
The Silent Auction begins at 12 noon with lunch set to start at 12:45 followed by the fashion show. Donation is $25.00 per person with proceeds designated for local community needs. For tickets and information please contact Patti Walker 524-2731.
Hope to see you there!

Hello-Ho-Ho Fillmore! Santa is on schedule to arrive in Fillmore in time for the Annual Fillmore Lions Club Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 5, 2009. The parade begins at 1:00 PM at the intersection of Second and Central and travels down Central to Santa Clara ending in front of Fillmore City Hall.
This year Santa has allowed time at the end of the parade for the boys and girls watching the parade to visit with him and have their parents take pictures with Santa for free. All Santa said is needed is for people to bring their own cameras to take the pictures. Look for Santa around Fillmore City Hall to have your picture taken.
Each year the Annual Fillmore Lions Club Christmas Parade is hosted by the Fillmore Lions Club in the honor of longtime Lions Club Member and life-long Fillmore/Piru citizen the late Henry “Hank” Carrillo who saved the parade when it was in danger of discontinuing without a sponsor.
There is still time to place an entry in the parade and all you need to do is to contact Dick Diaz at 524-5315, or 279-3599, or email dickdiaz@roadrunner.com.

November 21st, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is the annual Rancho Camulos sale of used books in every category, including Art, Gardening, Cooking, History, Mystery, Travel, Romance, and Children's. There may even be some rare books just waiting to be found! This is a great way for readers to help the environment and save money. The gift shop will be open selling unique art and California history related items. There will be free activities for children throughout the day. Proceeds benefit this non-profit's preservation, restoration, and educational projects. Rancho Camulos is located on Hwy 126, 2 miles East of Piru and 10 miles west of the I-5 at Santa Clarita. Visit www.ranchocamulos.org / call: 805-521-1501

This years Piru Christmas theme naming contest was won by Briana Segovian, 6th grader at Piru School. Briana is 11 years and her proud parents are Martin and Obdulia Segovian.

This Merry Christmas To Our Soldiers (Piru Patriots) is the theme for the Piru Christmas Parade, scheduled for December 12th, Saturday, at noon. Immediately following the Parade will be our post parade festivities at the Piru Depot. The parade awards ceremony will commence at 2:00 pm. This year’s judges are: Captian Hagel of the Fillmore Sheriff’s Department, Donna Plummer of Ventura County Management office, John Avila, Piru Cemetery

Volunteers are needed, food vendors, crafts vendors and Merchandise are needed. Volunteer/Vendors meeting is November 12th , 7 o’clock pm at Piru Community Center. For more information and application go to the pirupress.com website. You can also pick up food vendor applications at Elva’s Market , Piru Market or U Scream Ice Cream. Please return food application no later than November 24th to Event Planner, Chacha,

call 5210527 or email mtroyke@yahoo.com

We look forward to hearing from you.

Donna Chessani

Donna Chessani know as Mrs. Cheese is our 2009 Grand Marshal for Piru's 32nd Annual Christmas Parade.

Donna has lived in Piru since 1964 coming from Fillmore after marrying Reynaldo Chessani now in their 49th year of marriage and still going strong. Donna's parents were Charles and Faye Hanna former Piru Christmas Parade Grand Marshals themselves. Donna and Reynaldo have two children Tami and Tim as well as daughter in law Sheri and three grandchildren, Jessica, Kardi and Taylor.

Donna worked for Piru Citrus for 6 years, followed by 34 years at the Piru School. Mrs Cheese has volunteered for the Piru Girl Scouts, Piru Youth Club and the PTA. She is a regular volunteer for school events.

Donna is a true animal lover. During her time at Piru School she spent many hours caring for the Piru school Farm animals. She's can often be found caring for lost dogs & cats and until they can be placed in good homes.

Mrs. Cheese retired from Piru School ????, the staff and children were sad to see her go. But we all know Mrs. Cheese's heart will always be with the Piru School children. She still visits Piru School kids when donating school supplies. Thank you Mrs Cheese for being a great example and friend to the Piru Community.

Cheryl Cobb

Ventura, CA. - Cheryl Evans Cobb, RN, BSN, PHN, who has over 25 years of experience as both an emergency room nurse and administrator, has been hired as Director of Community Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department.

Cobb comes to CMH after serving two years as Director of Emergency Services at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center in West Hills. Previously, Cobb served as Manager of the Emergency Department of Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center from 2006 to 2007 and Manager of Disease Management at the Motion Picture & Television Fund in Woodland Hills from 2004 to 2006. Cobb also was Assistant Department Administrator of Emergency Services at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Woodland Hills from 1999 to 2004.

Before entering hospital administration, Cobb was an ER nurse at various southern California hospitals including Northridge Hospital Medical Center in Northridge , Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach and Robert F Kennedy Medical Center in Hawthorne for over fifteen years. She is an active member of the Emergency Nurses Association.

In her new capacity, Cobb directs all operations, programs and activities in CMH’s 23 bed Emergency Room. Her duties include preparing capital and operating budgets, and implementing practices to improve ED throughput and patient safety.

Cobb, who lives in Westlake Village, received her diploma in Nursing from Los Angeles County Medical Center School of Nursing in 1983. She also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from The University of Phoenix.

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