This November, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give the perfect gift – a blood donation – to help ensure a sufficient blood supply throughout the holiday season.

A decline in donations occurs from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when donors are busy with family gatherings and travel. However, patients don’t get a holiday break from needing lifesaving transfusions. In fact, every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

Timothy Sheely’s wife received 12 units of blood products during emergency surgery after the birth of their son. “If it had not been for blood donors, she may not have survived that ordeal, but thanks to generous blood donors, I still have a wife and my kids still have their Mom,” he said. “I can't possibly thank those people in person, but I can give a little piece of me back with each donation for the greater good. Thanks to those who are able to donate and choose to donate!”

The Red Cross encourages donors to start a new holiday tradition and bring family and friends together to donate blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types are needed to give this November to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients. As a thank you for donating around the Thanksgiving holiday, all those who come to donate Nov. 24-28 will be invited to download a set of recipes from celebrity chefs.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to save time when donating.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities: Ventura County

Camarillo
11/23/2016: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Residence Inn, 2912 Petit Street

Newbury Park
11/16/2016: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Alcoa Fastening Systems, 1300 Rancho Conejo Blvd
11/19/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Newbury Park Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, 180 Academy Dr.

Simi Valley
11/25/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
11/23/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
11/28/2016: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
11/29/2016: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood donors can now save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

The Humane Society of Ventura County will hold its annual “Santa Paws” fund-raisers on Nov. 20 in Ventura and at the HSVC’s shelter in Ojai on Dec. 4, where pets – along with their families – can have their pictures taken with Santa.

The Ventura photo shoot on Nov. 20 will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ventura Beach Marriott, 2055 E. Harbor Blvd. The event in Ojai on Dec. 4 also runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The HSCV shelter is located at 405 Bryant St.

For a $25 donation, pet owners receive several professional photos on a compact disc that will be ready to take home the day of the event. Many festive pet costumes to doll up pets will be available. Pocket pets, reptiles and birds are all welcome.

The HSVC asks attendees to being their dogs on a lease and cats in a carrier. Adults and children are welcome in photos – with or without Santa. Those who do not have a pet can still bring their children to avoid long lines at the mall.

Greg Cooper, a professional photographer, will shoot the pictures. Chuck Bowman is Santa.

The Ojai event also will feature a Holiday Craft Fair where local artists and crafts people will have one-of-a kind gifts. Firefly Ceramics will be on hand with a booth for attendees to make their own ornament keepsake with a $20 donation to the shelter’s kennel campaign.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1932. It does not receive federal, state or local tax dollars to operate and relies solely on private donations.

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The Relay for Life of Fillmore- Piru did a tremendous job this year! 36 teams raised over $68,929.75, which is exceeding their goal by almost $20,000. The Top Fundraising participant was a little girl by the name of Presley McLain who personally raised over $6,000. Starting with her birthday party last November where in lieu of gifts she asked for donations to the American Cancer Society. The top fundraising team was Namaste who has been with the Relay for Life of Fillmore-Piru over 10 years now. They raised over $9500 dolloars and since they started over $50,000 to the American Cancer Society.

Although the event may have been wrapped up we are still fundraising, because Cancer Never sleeps come out this Saturday October 29th to Elkins Ranch Cruise Night, and the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life of Fillmore-Piru.

Also next year we will be have the Relay for Life of Fillmore-Piru on September 23rd 2017, 9am at ShiellsPark in Fillmore Ca. For any further questions please call Caitlin Barringer at 805-644-4345.

Fillmore Rotary met at the One Step A La Vez site for breakfast and meeting. Rotarian Kate English, Executive Director of One Step, explained their three main goals: to be a drop in center/homework, adult/parent support through classes etc., and work with juveniles to find jobs and get them on the right path for the future.

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular Friday trash collection schedule on Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

For more information, call 647-1414.

Did you know that according to the Association for the Advancement of Arts Education, music programs in school actually improve ALL areas of studies for children in grade K-12? Santa Clara Elementary school, the “Little Red Schoolhouse”, serving students K-6 from Fillmore and Santa Paula, is very excited that this year they will be bringing a musical instrument program to their small historic schoolhouse thanks to the generous support of Chevron Environmental Management Company. Leslie Klinchuch, Project Manager for Chevron for the Santa Clara Valley, presented a check to the principal, Kari Skidmore for $4,000 to support the Music in the Classroom program that will be offered this year at the school for the 55 students that attend. The community support of Chevron will assist with bringing a music teacher to the classrooms to teach appreciation and understanding of music for students, teach instrument instruction to the students, assist with developing community involvement by inviting community members to participate in concert, and help with a 10% increase of the student’s success on standardized tests based on skills learned through music.

Chevron is committed to contributing to the social and economic development of our communities. They believe that providing community support, both through financial assistance and personal involvement, is their responsibility as a good neighbor. They focus on areas such as Health, Environment, and Youth and Education. Their support in serving the students that attend Santa Clara Elementary demonstrates their desire to serve others and be an integral part of the neighborhood.

One Step a la Vez will be hosting "Pie for Breakfast!" a fundraiser this coming Saturday at 10am. One Step will be serving a slice of pie to everyone until they run out and will be sharing information about their teen wellness program with the community. There will also be a pie auction. If you would like to donate a pie please email kate@myonestep.org or just bring it on over Saturday morning.

When:
Saturday Nov. 5th at 10am

Where:
One Step Center
421 Sespe Ave.
Fillmore, CA 93015

Fillmore High School’s drama club, led by director Josh Overton, is bringing an original 80’s jukebox musical to their stage in early November. “Totally Rad!” showcases the many talents of the students at Fillmore High and features some fantastic tunes from the 80’s by Madonna, U2, The Go-Go’s, The Police, and much more!

The 20+ member cast, led by Blake Palacio, Elana Strazzula, and Giselle Lozano, has been hard at work and can’t wait to share this fun stage experience with you!

“Totally Rad!” opens Wednesday, November 2nd at 7pm in the drama room (right across from the Memorial Building) at Fillmore High School. There are also performances on November 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11. The Sunday, November 6th performance is at 2pm. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Tickets are $5 for senior citizens and students, $7 for adults. Snack and drinks will be available to purchase. All proceeds benefit the Fillmore High School Drama Club. Seating is limited and we expect this show to sell out, so get to the theatre early! Tickets only available at the door.

The Ventura County Writers Club is proud to announce the opening of their 17th annual short story contest. The fiction contest is open to all writers and winners receive cash prizes. Adult first place prize award is $500, second place is $250 and third place is $125. In the high school category, first place award is $100, second place is $75 and third place is $50. Winners are published in the club’s biennial anthology. The contest closes at midnight on November 15, 2016.

Entries must be family friendly, original and previously unpublished—not appearing in any newspaper, magazine, or book, whether or not the author received compensation. Authors may enter multiple stories. Entrants may only receive one cash prize. Entries are accepted through submittable.com.

Stories are limited to 2,500 words or less. The submission fee for each story submitted: $15 U.S. for adult VCWC members; $25 U.S. for adult non-members; and $10 for high school students. Winners will be notified in early January 2017. Award Ceremony is January 10, 2017. Go to http://venturacountywriters.com/contests/short-story for more information or call Sheli Ellsworth at 805.499.3490.

Our club is open to writers at all ages and all levels of writing. We meet the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Pleasant Valley Senior Center, 1605 Burnley Street in Camarillo, CA. Meetings are free and open to everyone.

"Guiberson Barn" by Joanne King
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"Fillmore Fire Station" by Lady Jan Faulkner
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The Fillmore Historical Museum is pleased to be hosting an art exhibit “Southern California Images” produced by the Fillmore Artists Guild. The exhibit will be in place in the Rancho Sespe Bunkhouse building, 340 Main St., through November 19th. Our very talented local artists have produced interesting and beautiful work using a variety of media and local subjects. All are for sale. We at the museum hope that you will take the time to visit and admire their work. The museum is open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 9-12; Thursday from 1-4 and Saturday from 10 -3. For more information telephone: 805-524-0948.

September Yard of the Month Winner’s (l-r) Brynn, Megan, Eli Hernandez and Ari Larson.
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Congratulations to the September 2016 Yard of the Month recipients, the Hernandez family, consisting of Eli, Megan and their daughter Brynn. Presenting them the award this month was Ari Larson, a member of the Fillmore Civic Pride Vision 20/20 group. When asked about the inspiration for the front yard landscape, Eli said that, “In the midst of the current drought, I decided it best to replace my already dying grass with drought tolerant and succulent plants. Using a few of my late grandfather’s aloes as focal points, I designed a colorful yet water conscious landscape using Fescue, Salvia, Euonymus, Cordyline and Rosemary. To fill in the rest, I used succulents including Crassula, Senecio, Sedum, Echeveria and Aeonium. I incorporated a few wooden containers filled with a few of the already named succulents to create depth. Over the years, I have continued to add and take away plants to change up the look and it always gives me something to work on all year round.” View the home’s inspiring use of succulents and drought tolerant plants at 649 Mountain View in Fillmore. Also, thank you to Otto & Sons Nursery for their donation of a $40 gift certificate to the family. For more information on Fillmore Civic Pride Vision 20/20 please contact Linda Nunes at 805.302.7527

Photographers... and wannabe photographers... meet to explore photographic possibilities Thursday, October 13, 2016, 7 p.m. at the Active Adult Community Center, 533 Santa Clara Street, Fillmore, CA.

Free! All that's needed is a camera, enthusiasm and an itchy shutter button finger.

In the near future, field trips, workshops, guest presenters. Shoot a theme for critique. Learn tips and techniques while enjoying the fun of photography.

When appropriate, to help photographers execute the assignment, brief instruction coinciding with the theme will be provided by facilitator Bob Crum, professional photojournalist.

One Step a la Vez teen center, with the support of several community donors and a generous $3000 grant from Bank of the Sierra, is busy creating a social business in the form of a silk screen print shop.

The One Step Print Shop will create internships and eventually paid positions for teens to learn the business of silk screening. According to Executive Director, Kate English, "This will give them [teens] a chance to learn the basics of running a business, from marketing and sales, to the software/design aspect, and the actual mechanics of the silk screen equipment." She also stated that youth involved in the print shop program will take financial literacy classes and learn the importance of a budget, managing an account and building good credit.

Capstone students from California State Channel Islands University will be assisting the One Step Print Shop in researching equipment purchases and potential clients as part of a service learning program and the Social Business area of study at the university.

One Step a la Vez is a drop-in teen center and after school program in Fillmore for teens with safe space, homework help, video games, music lessons, a computer lab and community improvement committees for teens to participate in. For more information about the non-profit center contact Kate English, 805-625-7067.

The City is seeking applicants who are interested in serving on the Ventura County Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (1 citizen member), as well as the Ventura County Transportation Commission ( 1 citizen member).

The Ventura County Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (VCCTAC) is an advisory group to the Ventura County Transportation Commission for purposes of transportation planning and identification of unmet transit needs. This committee meets the first Friday of every month, except August, at 9:00 a.m. at Camarillo City Hall.

There is currently one (1) scheduled vacancy on VCCTAC; term to December 2019. Applicants must be City residents. Applications for VCCTAC are due November 14, 2016.

For further information on committee functions, please contact Mike Houser, (805) 376-5063 or mhouser@toaks.org.

Applicants are vetted using a standard review process, and if selected, will be appointed.

Additionally, there is currently one scheduled vacancy for a citizen member on the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC). VCTC’s mission is to improve mobility within the County and increase funding to meet transportation needs. To fulfill that mission, the VCTC establishes transportation policies and priorities ensuring an equitable allocation of federal, state and local funds for highway, transit, rail, aviation, bicycle and other transportation projects.

One applicant from the City of Thousand Oaks will be considered for a single opening, to be selected amongst all the 11 Ventura County cities, including the County of Ventura, on VCTC. This person will not be an elected official, but will be a resident of Ventura County. Applicant will be appointed to the commission after review by the Ventura County City Selection Committee. Applications for VCTC are due November 14, 2016.

For further information, please contact Jay Spurgin, (805) 449-2444 or jspurgin@toaks.org.

Applications, and additional recruitment information, may be accessed on the City’s Website at http://www.toaks.org/departments/city-clerk/boards-commissions/committee.... Application material may also be requested from the City Clerk Department, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., (805) 449-2151 or CityClerk@toaks.org.