On Friday, May 18, 2018, the Fillmore Historical Museum received the gift of a painting representing the arrival in Bardsdale of Orson J. Goodenough and his family from Iowa in 1875.

The painting was commissioned by Russ Goodenough, Fillmore High School Class of 1958. Russ is also an author whose book about his experience in Vietnam, “Why Johnny Came Marching Home”, published in 2017.

Russ commissioned western artist, Robert L. “Bob” Rickards of Thousand Oaks, to paint an original oil painting of the arrival in Ventura County of the Goodenough family. Mr. Rickards is a renowned artist whose works have hung in the Reagan Library and Hearst Castle, and who spent over 23 years capturing the historic two-year-plus journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition from St. Louis to the West Coast in a monumental series of 84 paintings. Mr. Rickards has also been featured on the History Channel.

The painting depicts the Goodenough family and their small wagon train standing in a field on the south side of the Santa Clara River with the river and the Sespe mountains in the background. The family members are Orson J. Goodenough, his wife, Zedora Tietsort Goodenough, and their children, Edgar age 7, Maud age 4, and sleeping in the wagon, Glen age 1.

Orson J. Goodenough purchased property on the Sespe in 1883 and farmed there until his death in 1895. He also was a carpenter who built the original Bardsdale Schoolhouse in 1889 and the original Presbyterian Church which was located on the corner of Sespe and Clay St.

The Fillmore Museum is pleased to accept this wonderful painting which is representative of the early families who came to our area in the late 19th century. It will be displayed in the museum office. We hope that the many members of our community who are interested in our local history will take the opportunity to stop by and admire the painting and hear more about the Goodenough family.

The Bardsdale Cemetery will hold it Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 28th at 11:00AM.

The Ceremony will start with a fly-over by the 805th Navion Squadron.

The featured speaker this year is Gordon A. Richardson. Colonel Richardson has 28 years of service in the Army. He graduated and received his regular army commission in the Field Artillery through ROTC from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts in 1990. He has also earned his Masters in Business Administration and Military Arts & Science.

Colonel Richardson has deployed to Iraq when he was a Major as a Battalion Operations Officer and Afghanistan as a Colonel of the Combined Joint Operations Center Director. He has had a tour to Korea and two tours to Germany. His major awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. He has earned a Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge. Colonel Richardson and his wife Amy have two children and reside in Leavenworth, Kansas.

The Reverend Bethany Carpenter of the Bardsdale Methodist Church will give the Memorial Service and special music will be provided by the Bardsdale Methodist Church Choir.

Also assisting in the ceremony will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bob Thompson. The Boy Scouts will put out the flags on Friday, May25th and they will be picked up by the Bardsdale 4H on Tuesday, May 29th.

A special thank you to Garcia Mortuary for furnishing the doves to conclude the service and to the P.E.O. for furnishing cookies.

The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Scott Lee, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Rita Rudkin, Gabriel Asenas and Dick Diaz would like to invite the community to this special event.

On Thursday, July 16th, 1953 @ 7:00 pm at the Sespe Grammar School the 8 to 12 year old boys of Fillmore, Piru and Bardsdale, along with future Coaches and instructors met for their first practice. The boys who signed up, received some indoctrination and at last some basic instruction on how to play the game. The young men were asked to bring their own glove. The High School furnished all the bats, balls, first base gloves, and catchers’ gear thanks to Coach’s Palmer and Creed.

The plan was to have four practice sessions the next four Thursdays at which time each boy would be taught the fundamentals of baseball, running bases, throwing and hitting a ball. Toolie told the local paper that some of these boys had played softball, but for many this would be the first time they have ever gripped a baseball. Thirty-three young men showed up for that first organized practice.

The last practice Thursday, August 16th, 1953 had 81 boys from the local area, and one from Santa Paula School District. The boys received final instruction on catching, fielding, throwing and playing the various positions. Coach Palmer said, “they wanted the boys to have a good fundamentals knowledge of baseball before playing their first official game.” The previous weekend the coaches got together and divided the boys in to four teams, with each having a full roster plus four subs. It was rumored that the selection process involved funny money and a bidding process. Each player was issued a baseball cap and a tee shirt with Fillmore Little League stenciled on the front.

The schedule was to be a round robin tournament with each team playing each other once. Two games will be played each Thursday at the Grammar School starting Thursday August 20th. Regular Little League games are played on a field with outfield fences. Since fences did not exist on the Grammar School fields, one of the schools 1 ½” sprinkler hoses was arched across the outfield of both fields to delineate a home run fence.

The Coaches and Players

“The Midgets” Coached by Roy Hays and Sam Player.
Jim Arundell, Fred Delano, Roy Martin, Joe Cook, Garland Lemons, John Scoles, Stephen Flint, Jim Hibbard, Jim Bounds, Roger Westerburg, Jack Edmonds, Calvin Beeghly, Donnie Smith, Gene Chapin, Eddie Ybarra, Curtis Goodenough, Louis Delgado, Pat Askren, Al Carrillo, Frank Carrillo.

“The Bat Boys” Coached by Glen Philips and Don Mayfield.
Jack Howton, Dee Brown, Bill Mayfield, Tommy Hays, Arthur Chessani, Donnie Southwick, Donnie Myers, Larry Dunst, John Emmert, F. Owens, Donovan Main, Roger Ipswitch, Willard Harper, Kieth Warring, M. Romero, Herbert Bounds, Phillip Quezado Louis Ybarra, Danny Carrillo, Ruben Tovar, Phillip Tovar.

“The Stars” Coached by Hank Data and Johnny Chesanni.
John Arundell, Bobby Hays, Arthur Medina, Renaldo Chessani, Joe Council, James Pennington, Bob Deeter, Donald Wahl, Douglas Jordan, Shannon Shelton, Joe Myers, Rodney Helsel, Donnie Armstrong, Phillip Young, Joe Romero, Richard Hill, Don Brown, Roger France.

“The Yankees” Coached by Jim Cook and Mernie Young.
Kenton Knight, George Searcy, Donnie Goodenough, Adrian Sanchez, Eldon Collins, George Penrod, Fred Young, Sammy Bennett, David Player, Peter Phethean, Tommy Robertson, Johnny Method, John Sundstrom, Delivan Cappel, Gary Beckman, Dennis Charles, Bill Winterstein, Dennis Bartels, Danny Morastica, Ronald McClung, John Renollin.

Photos by Bob Crum
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Back in the day in the south Florida wilderness, wildlife – cottonmouth snakes, diamondback rattlesnakes, alligators and black bear – were constant threats to life and limb. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums (biting midges) equally menacing. But none of that prepared me for the start of the Fillmore Rotary's 5K-10K race last Saturday.

I didn't see a photo op as the racers gathered. Nothing exciting about photoing a horde of racers on the run from the sidewalk. What to do? Faithful readers know that I'm predisposed to photographically capture the ordinary in an extraordinary way. As a photojournalist, I eschew comfortable limitations. But would I dare execute what I was thinking?

I walked beyond the starting line and took a position in the street. The idea: Shoot approaching runners! Perhaps a low perspective would be more interesting so I kneeled. Switched to AI servo focus mode. Also switched to 'slow' burst mode. Ready!

Race on! As the runners approached, I started shooting. I was gleefully photoing! Glee was short lived! I did not plan on runners with only one thing on their mind: Win the race and not SEE me in the street. Several runners almost ran into me, swerving at the last second. Quite a harrowing experience! I quickly realized it was time to escape. I stood up and gingerly sashayed through the throng to the safety of the curb. Thank goodness the stampeding runners weren't bulls!

Though I captured a few photos during the stampede they're not quite what I anticipated. Should have used my 11-16mm ultra-wide angle lens. Alas, another learning experience. Anyway, I now know how I'm going to shoot the race start next year. I can hardly wait.

Afterward the parade. As usual, photographing from the curb produces photos about as exciting as watching garden slugs race. So for marching bands, I prefer to get in the middle of the street... my signature MO. The Fillmore High School band is used to seeing me there scrambling out of the way at the last second. Such is my exciting drive to create distinguished photos. I'll shoot the rest of the parade from the safety of the curb. Ho hum.

Then on to the May Festival carnival. The photo ops: Hundreds! With a variety of rides and games, and people having fun, it's a great opportunity to explore many methods of creating photos with... ahem... a camera. Generally speaking, I keep aperture at f/11. At a carnival I'm not inclined to isolate a single subject by depth of field. For story telling with images I prefer to keep everything from foreground to background in focus thus f/11 is generally the rule. However, I'll vary shutter speed considerably in order to illustrate movement. A slow shutter speed blurs the object illustrating movement. In all cases, auto ISO will usually adjust, within reason, for proper exposure. Hint: for exposure checks, don't rely on the camera's LCD review screen. Check the histogram!

After the perfunctory daytime photos, I went home for supper returning after sundown for the night photos. Difficult to say in polite language the issues with carnival night photography. Bright lights make getting sufficient foreground ambient light to show people a huge challenge. There is no one aperture/shutter speed setting that works in all situations. Check the histogram... adjust as needed! A tripod is helpful in such situations and very beneficial for recording video. Parade & carnival photos soon.

Send comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com

A record number of Californians were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in 2017, according to a new report released by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). More than 300,000 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and early syphilis were reported: a 45 percent increase compared to five years ago.

Particularly concerning, in 2017, there were 30 stillbirths due to congenital syphilis in California. This is the highest number reported since 1995.

STDs can cause a number of serious health problems. If left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Syphilis can cause permanent loss of vision, hearing and other neurologic problems.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea rates are highest among people under age 30. Rates of chlamydia are highest among young women, and males account for the majority of syphilis and gonorrhea cases.
“STDs are preventable by consistently using condoms, and many STDs can be cured with antibiotics,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Regular testing and treatment are very important for people who are sexually active, even for people who have no symptoms. Most people infected with an STD do not know it.”

CDPH is collaborating with local health departments and organizations throughout the state to raise awareness. CDPH is working with the California Department of Education and community groups to implement the newly enacted California Healthy Youth Act, which mandates comprehensive STD/HIV prevention education in schools.

Other state efforts leverage innovative strategies such as courses for medical providers and teachers, expedited partner treatment to local clinics, and free and low cost online ordering options for home delivery of condoms and STD test kits. For more information, visit the CDPH Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Branch.

The Humane Society of Ventura County invites the public to come out on Saturday, June 9, and get a behind-the-scenes look at its Ojai animal shelter, learn more about its programs and meet the people who run it.

The HSVC’s annual “Birthday Bash and Open House” will honor its 86 years of nonprofit service to the community. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 9 at the Ojai facility, at 402 Bryant St.
Visitors that day can interact with the animals – who of course will be available for adoption – tour the kennels and clinic, meet the staff, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring the whole family to enjoy refreshments, take part in a treasure hunt and learn more about how YOU can make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Humane educator Robin Satnick will offer a variety of activities for children along with information on responsible pet ownership. Humane officers will be available to discuss ways we all can help protect animals throughout the county.

Firefly Ceramics will once again be on hand, with its special Tiles for Tails program. For a $25 donation benefiting the HSVC’s new kennels, you can design your own tile that will be permanently displayed on site at the shelter.

Additional event sponsors include Starbucks Ojai and Walmart Oxnard.

Founded in 1932, the HSVC opened its Ojai shelter in 1982. Here’s some of what the compassionate care facility has accomplished in 36 years:
• 18,000 dogs, cats, horses and other animals have been adopted out of the shelter.
• 70,000 alteration surgeries on dogs and cats have been done in its spay and neuter clinic.
• 20,000 cases have been investigated by humane officers of the HSVC.
• 10,000 classroom visits have been made by its humane officers.
• 500 awareness presentations have been made for civic groups and community organizations.
• 500 community outreach events have taken place.
“The Humane Society of Ventura County has accomplished quite a bit, when you add the numbers up,” said Greg Cooper, Director of Community Outreach for the HSVC. “Considering our meager budget as a private nonprofit, the HSVC continues to provide valuable services to Ventura County in an extraordinary way.”

For more event information, call 805-646-6505. For more on the HSVC, visit www.hsvc.org.

AT A GLANCE
What: The Humane Society of Ventura County’s 86th Birthday Bash and Open House
When: Saturday, June 9
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: HSVC shelter, 402 Bryant St., Ojai.
For more event information: Call 805-646-6505.
For more on HSVC: Visit www.hsvc.org

Fillmore’s Towne Theatre marquee reflects the community’s congratulations to Katrionna, and she will be waving to the crowd in Saturday’s May Festival Parade.
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She was a little girl with big dreams living in the small mountain town of Mammoth Lakes. Fifteen miles down the road, standing alone in the middle of the High Sierra desert, was Whitmore Outdoor Pool, so isolated that directions on their website state "turn left at the green church off U.S. 395". But it was where Katrionna Furness joined her first swim club, the Mammoth Sharks, at the age of 6 years, and where her love of swimming eventually brought her to First Place in the 100 Backstroke at the 2018 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Division 4 finals, Riverside Aquatics Center, last Friday, May 14th.

"It was pretty cool," Kat, a junior at Fillmore High School (FHS), responded when asked about winning CIFs. "It made all the hard work worth it." It has been 13 years since a Fillmore High swimmer has qualified for CIF finals, and Kat is the first swimmer in Fillmore High's history to be a CIF Champion. She will be riding in Saturday’s May Festival Parade, under the Towne Theatre marquee which reads “Katrionna Furness CIF Champion”.

Kat swam seasonally in the popular resort town, three months a year, where the average snowfall is 200 to 500+ inches. But last August her dream brought her to Fillmore to swim year-round with the Buenaventura Swim Club, at the Ventura Aquatic Center on Kimball Road. She entered the club's Gold group in September and advanced to Senior group in December, under the direction of Senior Coach Jason York.

"Coach York inspired me to push myself and improve my technique. He changed my swimming."

Coach York told the Gazette, “I am very excited for Kat and her future. In just a short time with our team she has dropped a lot of time in a variety of events. She still has all summer and, of course, her senior year to improve even more. I anticipate her to gain valuable experience over the next season and expect her to be even better this time next year.”

The decision to leave her home and family for year-round training was not an easy one for the then-15 year old, or her parents Daniel and Chrissy Furness. Kat left Mammoth High School at the beginning of her junior year. She also left friends she has known since kindergarten, and her brother Ryan and sister Summer, both also competitive swimmers. But the drive she felt to pursue training and opportunity was strong, and she moved in with her grandparents, Fillmore residents Bert and Wanda Castel de Oro, to train year-round.

Kat is aware of the family support that has brought her to this victory. "I'm so thankful that my mom got me into this sport. My mom and dad have supported me in so many ways and made me want to do my best. They have made a lot of sacrifices so that I can be here now."

She joined Fillmore High School's swim team in January, training under coaches Mike and Cindy Blatt. Working with the Blatts and York, Kat dropped 10 seconds from her backstroke, ending with her winning CIF time of 59.68, nearly a second ahead of second-place Catherine Tran of La Quina, who touched in 1:00.66. Kat also took 3rd Place in the CIF 100 Freestyle, with a time of 54.21, 4.5 seconds off since training in Ventura County, and .56 behind second place winner Destiny Lewis of Grand Terrace. When asked about her local training Kat said, "Mike and Cindy [Blatt] always wanted me to do my best and taught me a lot about the groundwork of swimming.” She added with a laugh, “They taught me how to grab the touch pad."

“Kat scored 40 points, placing FHS 21st out of 47 teams scoring points at the Division 4 Championship,” said Cindy. “Coach Mike and I are very proud of Kat. She loves to race and proved to be a fierce competitor. She has inspired her teammates and we look forward to next year."

FHS Principal Tom Ito made the 3-hour drive from Fillmore to the CIF finals and cheered Kat on from the sidelines.
“As a former coach, I can say that athletes such as Katrionna are an exception. She has the focus and determination to achieve in the most trying of situations. She left her family and community with the intent to swim competitively for Fillmore High School. All year she has swam double workouts on a daily basis. At the CIF Finals she had just completed warming up and was ready to swim when the meet was stopped for a ten minute break. After the break, when she and the other athletes were ready to swim, the timing system went down. After a seven minute delay, the race finally started. Through each delay, where other athletes would have lost composure, Katrionna remained calm and focused and had a peak performance when it counted the most,” stated Ito.

Kat qualified for the Junior Olympics at the age of nine, and competed in July 2011 near San Francisco, where she made finals in her 50 Backstroke, the only Mammoth Shark ever to do so. She acquired a time standard beyond Junior Olympic and Far Western Time, placing 8th, despite her limited technique and lack of backstroke flip turn--but she had a champion's heart. She continued to qualify each year for Junior Olympics and consistently took Overall First Place at meets, swimming against year-round swimmers. She competed and qualified for finals at High Country League Championships in Minden, Nevada, King of the Hill meets held in Carson City, and consistently took first place at Swimming at Altitude at Lake Tahoe, where coaches from year-round swim teams would comment about her natural ability in the water, and encourage her to pursue full-time training.

Since moving to Southern California Kat has qualified for Winter Age Group (WAGs) which were held in December 2017 in Huntington Beach. She placed 12th in the prelims with her 50 Freestyle and made it to finals where she finished in 8th Place with a time of 25.84. She also qualified for finals in five events at the Canyon Qualifying Meet in Santa Clarita at the beginning of the year.

Her times since moving to Fillmore have steadily improved: 50 Free-dropping 2.6 seconds ending with a 25:84; 100 Free-4.5 seconds ending with a 55:21 at CIF; 200 Free-6 seconds ending with a 2:05; 500 Free-21 seconds ending with a 5:51.20; 100 Back-10 seconds ending with a 59:68; and 200 Back-10 seconds ending with a 2:19.49.

Kat will be participating in the June Age Group (JAGs) Invitational Swim Meet, June 14-17, hosted by the Buenaventura Swim Club. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the Champ continue her training dreams https://www.gofundme.com/100-back-d4-champ-needs-help.

The Fillmore Gazette expects to see her at next year’s CIFs! Go Kat!!