HARRY & KEITH HONORED continued on page 5

MOMENT OF INSPIRATION continued on page 3

C O N N E C T I O N

1765 Goodyear Avenue, Ste #205 • Ventura, CA 93003-8015

In This Issue

Harry Walsh, Keith York Honored for Service

On Tuesday, December 9, The Ventura County Board of Supervisors celebrated CAREGIVERS 30th anniversary milestone by recognizing The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. The original vision, which Sister Patricia Callahan crafted in a grant proposal to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, was one of 25 grants awarded in 1984. These start-up funds distinguished Ventura County as one of the original pilot programs in the efforts to launch Volunteer Caregiving as a national movement.

Volunteers and donors are the cornerstone of support for the service that CAREGIVERS has provided to the community over the last 31 years. Model examples of that support are found in two of the organization’s most dedicated individuals, the Honorable Harry Walsh and Mr. Keith York.

CAREGIVERS had an opportunity to celebrate both of these men recently, in conjunction with the Masonic Lodge of Channel Islands No. 214, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and the Ventura County

SPRING 2015 PublIShed bI-aNNually VOluMe 32, No. 1

Harry Walsh, Keith York Honored for Service

page 1

County Board of Supervisors Spotlights

Program’s Founderpage 1

Pacific Coast Business Times Names Who’s Who

in Healthcarepage 2

Annual Scholarships Awarded to Student Volunteers

page 2

Moves and Milestonespage 2

Give a Little Bit of Your Time to Me…

page 3

Legacy of Leadershippage 3

Thank You To Our Donors

page 4

Celebrate the Good Deed Doers in Your Life

page 6

In Memory of Our Seniorspage 6

Evening of Gratitudepage 7

It’s a Wrap! 2015 McGrath Family 23rd Annual Wearin’

o’ the Greenpage 7

County Board of Supervisors Spotlights Program’s FounderIn presenting the proclamation to the order, Supervisor Steve Bennett highlighted the many achievements of CAREGIVERS and underscored the positive impact that volunteer caregiving has made on the local community. In particular, the proclamation noted the cross section of support that the Sisters received in launching the organization. The collaboration—with Trinity Lutheran Church of Ventura, First United Methodist Church of Ventura, The

On April 23, 2015, friends gathered at the Crown Plaza for the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Community Leadership Awards. (L-R, standing): Husam Hishmeh, Keith York, Honorable Harry Walsh, Tammy Glenn, Dan McGrath, Blake Wade, George Harrell, Augie Martinez and Courtney Darrough. (L-R, seated): Jack Tingstrom, Claudette York, Sister Patricia Callahan, Mary McGrath, Ann Romero and Christina Challey.

Community Foundation—all of which recognize the important and sustaining contributions Harry and Keith have made over the years.

The Norm Weitzel AwardTom Phillips, worshipful master of the Channel Islands Masonic Lodge 214, joined CAREGIVERS in recognizing the Honorable Harry Walsh with the inaugural Norm Weitzel Award, named in memory of our dear friend who passed in 2014.

2 CArEGIVErS Heart & Hands

Pacifi c Coast Business Times Names Who’s Who in HealthcareWho’s Who is Healthcare, Insurance & Biomedicine hasan annual following with circulation in three counties. From executives and innovators, the named leaders are helping to shape the profession during one of the most

dynamic periods in history.

TAMMY I. GLENNExecutive Director, CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly, Ventura

As an informal caregiver, author andprofessional fundraiser, Tammy Glenn

has counseled numerous individuals in short-term and long term care issues.

Glenn founded HomeBoundResources.com and is author of “The Carefree Caregiver: A Short Course to Peace of Mind.” In 2013, she was invited to join the board of directors for the National Volunteer Caregiving Network. She has been a speaker at the California Hospital Association and the Abilities Expo and is a monthly columnist for Disabled Dealer Magazine.

KAREN JENSENAssociate Professor of Nursing, CSU Channel Islands, Camarillo; Board Member, CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly, Ventura

Dr. Karen Jensen joined CSUCI in 2006as chair of the nursing program. She was previously an intensive coronary care nurse and head nurse of an intensive and critical care unit in St. Paul, Minnesota,worked at Los Robles Hospital in the ICU and CCU, and was a home health and hospice nurse for the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses Association. Jensen has been a Board and Executive Committee member of CAREGIVERS since 2011.

At CSUCI, she serves as the principal investigator in grants totaling more than $590,000, including fund-ing for a degree in nursing articulation program with Moorpark College, Ventura College and Santa Barbara City College. She is also involved in the extension of CSUCI bachelor of science program in Santa Barbara in collaboration with Cottage Health System. ❤

Moves and Milestones

Th e Offi ce Team said farewell to their dear colleague, Meredith Buttler, whose last day in the offi ce was Friday, April 24. Her husband’s career is taking them back east.

Over the last two years, her contributions to CAREGIVERS areextraordinary. Upon arrival, she immediately took the dive intooverhauling the Filemaker Pro database with Marketa. Together,

Team CAREGIVERS (left to right) Program Assistant Marketa Pospechova,Program Coordinator George Harrell, Administrative Assistant Meredith Buttler, Executive Director Tammy Glenn, and Program Manager Courtney Darrough.

MOVES & MILESTONES continued on page 6

THANK YOUTHANK YOUTHANK YOUGENE HAAS FOUNDATION.GENE HAAS FOUNDATION.GENE HAAS FOUNDATION.

Adapted from Pacifi c Coast Business Times, November 2014.

Pictured left to right: Scholar Sydney Castaneda from Pacifi ca High School, Building Bridges Intergenerational Program Coordinator George Harrell, Scholar Alondra Flores from Oxnard High School, Ms. Anjelica Cisneros from Assemblyman Das Williams’ offi ce, Scholar Morgan Castro from Foothill High School, Mr. Johnny Vasquez from Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin’s offi ce, Scholar Alondra Aguilar German from Oxnard High School, Mr. Stanley Tzankov from Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson’s offi ce, Ms. Sandra Delgado from Congresswoman Julia Brownley’s offi ce, and the Honorable Harry Walsh.

Th e 2015 Building Bridges scholarship recipients booked more than 400 hours of volunteer time with CAREGIVERS during their tenure.Among the qualities that distinguished these candidates were their commitment to recruiting additional volunteers, demonstrated work ethic, and pursuit of higher education. Coordinator George Harrell hosted eight high schools this last year and 47 student volunteers. ❤

Annual Scholarships Awarded to Student Volunteers

CArEGIVErS Heart & Hands 3

Give a Little Bit of Your Time to Me…Volunteer Caregiver Don Belless stopped by before Christmas with Senior Kate. They were out running errands and getting some shopping done for the holiday. (Dare we mention that Don was 89 and Kate was 101 at the time!)

Not long after this photo was taken, Don called the office to let us know that Kate was gone and he was ready to volunteer with another senior. It’s not unusual for our seniors to pass during their time with CAREGIVERS. Approximately 10 percent of our regularly enrolled seniors pass each year. As we attempted to console Don, he abruptly stopped us. “Oh, no, Kate didn’t die,” he said, “Her daughter insisted that she relocate with the family in the San Fernando Valley. She’s doing fine.” (Editor’s note: Kate recently celebrated her 102nd Birthday!)

Statistics for the program indicate that close to 95 percent of the seniors enrolled at CAREGIVERS are able to remain living independently, at home for their entire lives. “That’s why we’re here,” said Executive Director Tammy Glenn. “We know

it feels good to be in one’s own home. While we can’t take full credit for that success rate, we take great pride in knowing that we have been a big part of the journey for the folks we serve.”

Program Manager Courtney Darrough reports more than 120 handpicked services are available to seniors who are enrolled with CAREGIVERS. The services range from nutrition to legal to transportation to nursing and mental

health. Most of these are non-profit organizations within Ventura County.

Don was recently matched again with a new senior who happened to be a neighbor of Kate. He had very little time to rest between assignments. It’s a good thing he has a robust cycling routine with his son. They have been known to log 30 miles in a day riding their bikes together. It’s not unusual for Don to pop by the office in his cycling helmet and gear, nor is it unusual for him to fill in on a temporary basis when other volunteer caregivers or services are unavailable. ❤

Sisters of the Holy Cross, the National Council of Jewish Women, First United Methodist Women of Ventura, First Presbyterian Church of Santa Paula, Ventura County Church of Religious Science, and the Aid Association for Lutherans— provided traction for advancing the mission.

The hallmark that continues to differentiate CAREGIVERS from other local organizations is its commitment to introducing a frail elder to a volunteer who will lend a helping hand with neighborly deeds such as transportation, light housekeeping, a friendly call on the telephone, or a visit. This assistance is often the catalyst that enables vulnerable seniors to remain living independently in their homes as long as possible.

Thanks to donor support and volunteers, CAREGIVERS is today an independent non-profit committed to providing services, offering employment and volunteer opportunities to all, without discriminating on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin or disability. ❤

County Executive Officer Michael Powers with Supervisors Peter C. Foy, Chairman Steve Bennett, John Zaragoza, Kathy Long and Linda Parks with (center) Sister Patricia Callahan and Volunteer Keith York on December 9, 2014 at the Government Center in Ventura.

MOMENT OF INSPIRATION continued from 1

Five of seven Executive Directors who have served CAREGIVERS over the years reunited to celebrate the organization’s 30th Anniversary on Tuesday, December 9 at an Open House held at the office on Goodyear Avenue. ❤

Pictured left to right are Founding Director Sister Patricia Callahan (1984-1991), Pat Meredith (1991-2000), Barbara Weinberg (2000-2005), Carol Boatner (2006-2010), and Tammy Glenn (2012-present).

Legacy of Leadership

You’ve Got Mail

Student volunteers pitched in on the production of the Fall newsletter.

CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly wishes to thank everyone for their generous support.

Following is a list of Donors who were able to give from October 20, 2014

through March 15, 2015

INDIVIDuAL DONOrS GOLF 2015

IN HONOr OF

Eric R. AllisonJim ArcherJohn BakerAnthony BanandoTheresa & Matthew BasoloDonald R. BellessBartley BleuelArlene BriggleBetty BurnhamRichard CalzadaFaye CampbellJessica CandelariaPatricia CastanonFrancine CastanonSue & Jim CheekMalinda Pennoyer ChouinardJo Ann ClarkDoris A. ClarkNed ClarkElizabeth Ann ClemHonorable Stanley J. DailyCathleen & Ronald DalzellCookie DimantAnnie DransfeldtLouise Welsh DunlapJoyce FaberGeorge FerreiroMaria R. FieldingCarolyn & Dana GambleSpencer & Nancy GarrettTammy I. Glenn & David

SchwartzLester GrayPeggy & Lee HeiseJeanette & William HosekKaren Jensen & Don FrazeurMary R. JohnsonMatrie JohnsonLynne W. KadaDeva Kelly

IN MEMOrY OF...

GIFT IN KIND

Bashar Al BawabEric AlcornBob & Sarah AlvianiDanny AndersonLauri Barcelona The Borchard Family Adonda BrennanMichael BrooksLarry BusheyGinny & Bob CamarilloDan CameronJack CollingsJason Collis The Coultas Family Tom CroftGene DayJohn DetmeringKathleen Dunbar &

Helen HaynesLouise Welsh DunlapVicky DowlingDennis DwireJack FenelonGail FieldJohn FraserGerald GallagherTony GarciaDave GlyerChuck GrayJason GriffithGreg Grinnell

Husam HishmehJeremy HoffmanRoss HoffmanHenry ItoMatt JohnsonMark KelleyBob KnudsenRoger Laland The Laubacher Family Richard LaValleeKarl LassiterJohn McBride The McCormick Family The McGrath Family Jay Midgley The Morris FamilySean NovakRuby OertlePablo OrtizSteven OrtmannRick OwensHank PietersJohn PowellLaura RobinsonDan RogersDavid RosolekRon SandiferTammy I. Glenn &

David SchwartzTim SherlockTim Simmen

COrPOrATIONS, FOuNDATIONS AND LOCAL GOVErNMENT

Altria Group, Inc.AMGEN FoundationCalifornia Wellness FoundationChannel Islands GullsCity of OxnardCollings & AssociatesCommunity Memorial HospitalHarriet H. Samuelsson FoundationLimoneiraSCOPESister of the Holy CrossSisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in CaliforniaSisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet; Holy Family

CommunitySisters of The Holy CrossSwift Memorial Healthcare FoundationThe Gene Haas FoundationThe Sence FoundationTina O’Brien GalleryTri-County Life and Health InsuranceTrinity Lutheran ChurchTruistUnited WayUnited Way California Capital Region Wood-Claeyssens Foundation

4 CArEGIVErS Heart & Hands

Anna M. KittlesonEcho & George KukuchekSusan & Edward LaceyLetty & Ken LandbergJean & Robert Le VanKathryn LeslieBarbara A. MaitlandFrances & John MarshallCarol J. MatalonCatherine & John McBrideLinda & Michael McTigueMurielle O’BrienSharon & Ken OelschlagerDorothy A. OffermannPatricia M. OsborneDaryush Parsa, MDJune & Clayton PaschenWilliam PatersonJohn RafteryMargery RicardsDorothy SchupbachJune & John ShelskyReta SingerMargaret StapletonBerta SteeleDorcas H. ThilleKate TobiasPatricia & Tyler TugwellTrudy VelezMary Ellen & Robert VillarBlake WadeOren WaiteEdith WaldMary J. WallaceDoris I. WeinertJanet WilliamsJean WittmanCDR & Mrs. Ronald WongDonald YokumMary and Seiji Yoshioka

Steve SnyderKevin ThompsonJack TingstromKent TracyS. Blake & Charlie WadeBrent WeitzelChris WeitzelLaura & John WeitzelRyan WeitzelRichard WibbelmannBrian WilkinsKimberly & Steven WyardJohn ZarukaAdventures of Alex Walker:

The SeriesAMS Craig LLCArtistic DesignBags to RichesBarcelona BookkeepingBuckaroo Pony RidesCalifornia Kettle CornCalifornia Door and HardwareCamarillo Breakfast Rotary

Foundation, Inc.Camarillo Village Investment, LPCamarillo Village Investment, LPCoastal Allergy CareCollings & AssociatesComfort Keepers In Home CareCommunity Memorial HospitalCreating Smiles from the Heart

Cronies Sports GrillDanny’s Deli & GrillDesigns by BrendaGloria MaltunHeart’s DelightInez PropertyJeri’s Whimsical PursesMimiaga Engineering GroupMission Linen’sPhoenix & CrowPlayers Poker Club, Inc.Purple Dragon JewelryRi-Dressed HistoryRoadrunnerSages WoolenglassSCV Jump N SlideSpellboundSunblest FoodsSylvawoodsTaffy TymeTandy Leather FactoryThe Celtic MarketPlaceThe Fiber RanchThe Welsh BakerTres SpaUnique Cosmetics & Skin CareVentura County Deputy Sheriff’s

AssociationWayne’s Woodcrafts Yankee Doodle Bakery

lynn & Cory Cohen • In honor of Tammy Glennanne e. dascomb • In honor of Ryan Ethertonlinda & Robin dillon • In honor of Alice SaezCarolyn ellis • In honor of Donna, our angelTammy Glenn • In honor Rafael Feliciano JimenezPickens & Ronald halt • In honor of Hunter & Janis CookMary Frances Mead • In honor of Chris Gelalichbarbara Meister • In honor of Howard BoroughsStephen Midgley • In honor of Jay MidgleyShanna & Robert Taylor • In honor of June Berlinger

lisa & Gary aalberts • In memory of Jetta RoseTolosa Charleen boxx • In memory of Chester H. MooreRichard Calzada • In memory of Cathy Dunnhelen Collins • In memory of Alison Wewerkabarbara & John Corcoran • In memory of Norm Weitzelbarbara & Ron d’Incau • In memory of Vivian SolomenKerry Johnson • In memory of my dear momCarol & edwin Jones • In honor & memory of our parentsJ. Robert love • In memory of Jim & Betty LovePatricia b. Meredith • In memory of Norm Weitzellaura Robinson • In memory of Norm Weitzelleonora Schreiber • In memory of Alfred Schreiberlaura Swenson • In memory of Betty RosenquistOren Waite • In memory of Miriam Gordon Waite

A to B Transport, LLCALZ Good FitnessAnnieKDesignsArt’s Corner CafeARTZworksAt Your Service!Brendan’s Irish Pub & RestaurantBuena Vista Palliative Care &

Home HealthDanny’s Deli and GrillElite Island Resorts, CaribbeanExecutive LimousineFour Seasons Resort The BiltmoreFrancis B. Spencer-CotterGeorge Thompson Diamonds Co.Gold Coast GymnasticsHelinet AviationIn-N-Out BurgerLas Posas Country ClubLetitia Haynes PhotographyLove Is BlindMarianne Lavee

Midtown CafeNew West SymphonyOld Creek Ranch WineryOld Guys RuleOlivas Links and

Buenaventura Golf CoursePrime SteakhousePrudence Gee Massage TherapySan Ysidro RanchSheila’s Wine Bar & Cafe“SIT” Pet or HouseSouthern California Golf

AssociationSpencer’s Mattress StoreThe Court of Two SistersTipps Thai CuisineVentura Music Festival

Association, Inc.Ventura Police DepartmentVic’s PlumbingVom FassWheel Fun Rentals

SAILATHON 2014Karen BranchPatricia & Carlos BreaRichard & Sarah FreifeldJudith & James GravesEloda LinehanSara Radding & Charles

Watson

Linda & Stanley RoslanskyTerri & Scott SpeierBecky & Charles SwiftLarry ThompsonPierpont Bay Yacht Club

You can use the PayPal button at www.vcCaregivers.org to make your gift today. Just be sure to send us an email

to info@vcCaregivers.org designating your honoree.

Some donors are not listed and wish to remain anonymous. If your name is missing, incorrectly listed or misspelled, please accept our sincere apology and bring the error to our attention.

CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly does not sell or share its donor list with any other organization.

Thank You, Jack & Wendy Collings, Fall Appeal Sponsors

CArEGIVErS Heart & Hands 5

HARRY & KEITH HONORED continued from 1

The award is for individuals who, like Norm Weitzel, give their steady and unwavering support for volunteer caregiving and sustaining the mission year after year.

CAREGIVERS remembers Norm as a humble man of integrity who avoided a lot of pomp and circumstance that would detract from his true intent of supporting the charity. He never wanted a lot of

fanfare, and in keeping with those wishes, this honor is a simple and meaningful one.

In addition to these qualities, Norm also was an accomplished Mason. Consequently, this award is presented in concert with the Masons to reinforce the value system by which Norm conducted his life. In particular, Norm had a reputation:

• of good moral standing and fine citizenship• for practicing charity and developing community• for doing good without self-advertising• for working a gentle influence upon himself and his

fellows toward right conduct

With these ideas in mind, the obvious pick for the inaugural award was Harry Walsh. Harry was recruited by Sister Patricia Callahan in 1984 for the board of directors and he has remained in a leadership position, later as an advisory member and currently serving as an Honorary Director, for CAREGIVERS entire history. He established bench-marks for others to follow, and has continued to lead by example as a donor,

a volunteer and a champion. In presenting the award to Harry, this recognition by CAREGIVERS, and by Norm’s brothers from the Masonic Lodge of Ventura, truly reinforces by the broader community what CAREGIVERS has known all along.

The award was presented at the 2015 Evening of Gratitude on Thursday, April 30 at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.

The Kesa Ryono AwardThe Ventura County Community Foundation annually recognizes citizens, whose dedication to the community often goes unsung, with the Kesa Ryono Award. Kesa Ryono worked diligently and without fanfare to improve the quality of life in Port Hueneme, Calif., until her death on March 3, 2010, at

The Honorable Harry Walsh

Norm Weitzel Mr. Keith York

age 47. She held that the only antidote to anxiety is action.

The 2015 Ryono Award was presented to Keith on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Ventura. Keith was lauded by the Foundation and his friends for his volunteer service and support to CAREGIVERS over the years.

The Ryono Award was presented a few months after Keith was also recognized by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.

Keith’s service began in 1984 as a volunteer caregiver, and over the years, he also has served on the board, as an officer on the Executive Committee, and he continues to volunteer with seniors, to contribute as a donor and to serve as an Honorary Director.

He has personally performed a host of neighborly deeds, not the least of which includes changing light bulbs, replacing sink faucets, repairing carpet tears, patching and painting walls, installing security systems, replacing water heaters, refrigerators and commodes, and responding to urgent calls as an “Arachnid Exterminator Extraordinaire.”

Countless hours have passed as Keith helped seniors in our community with trips to the grocery store, rides to the doctor, troubleshooting computer problems, visiting when nobody else had the time, and lending his beautiful heart to comfort folks facing their final days.

When Keith is not serving seniors, he invokes his inner leprechaun, officiating at the putting contest year-after-year for CAREGIVERS Wearin’ o’ the Green fundraiser and he also plays Cupid every Valentine’s Day, providing red roses that are delivered to seniors throughout the CAREGIVERS service area.

Like all CAREGIVERS vol-unteers, Keith has never asked for compensation of any measure. He defines the

meaning of the word, the deed, and the qualities that distinguish a true volunteer. ❤

Special Thanks to Ben Hopps & Thomas Pabst!

Cronies Sports GrillDanny’s Deli & GrillDesigns by BrendaGloria MaltunHeart’s DelightInez PropertyJeri’s Whimsical PursesMimiaga Engineering GroupMission Linen’sPhoenix & CrowPlayers Poker Club, Inc.Purple Dragon JewelryRi-Dressed HistoryRoadrunnerSages WoolenglassSCV Jump N SlideSpellboundSunblest FoodsSylvawoodsTaffy TymeTandy Leather FactoryThe Celtic MarketPlaceThe Fiber RanchThe Welsh BakerTres SpaUnique Cosmetics & Skin CareVentura County Deputy Sheriff’s

AssociationWayne’s Woodcrafts Yankee Doodle Bakery

Valentine Cupid Keith York dropped off long-stemmed roses for the staff to share with 50 local seniors. Helping with the deliveries were Meredith Buttler and Courtney Darrough. Already on the road to make deliveries were George Harrell, Marketa Pospechova, and volunteers Sharon Breitling, Ginny and Bob Camarillo, Ann and John Romero.

City of Oxnard The McGrath FamilyThe Borchard, Coultas, Doud,

Dunbar, Haynes, Laubacher, McCormick and Morris families

Photos Courtesy of Volunteer Jamie Pliska

the team developed a style guide and the two colleagues combed through 8,000 records honing this system into a sharp tool once again.

Meredith’s coordination of events is best evidenced by the increased committee participation and sponsorships that are seen, particularly in the SAILATHON and the Evening of Gratitude as well as the Wearin’ o’ the Green. Meredith also established a framework for Social Media. Behind the scenes, she has been a multi-tasker like nobody’sbusiness, brought a touch of elegance to fi ling and organization, and her grace under fi re, eye for detail and her patience with person-alities are among her most admirable traits.

Most of all, the team said they will miss her Minced Oaths (e.g., “Oh, for Garden Seed!” “Shut the Front Door!”), her gluten-free baked goodies, her son’s fi rst birthday, and her fi ery admonishments.

CAREGIVERS is fortunate to welcome her successor, Hannah Stonecypher, who joined the organization in May. Hannah jumped right in to help with the Evening of Gratitude.

Th is spring also marked a milestone for Courtney

Darrough who has now been with CAREGIVERS for 10 years. Initially hired to develop the City of Oxnard, she soon took responsibility recruiting volunteers and matching seniors in Pt. Hueneme, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Ventura and finally Camarillo.

Today, Courtney has asupport system in placeand hopes to help expand CAREGIVERS into other communities in Ventura County by developing a Volunteer Liaison program that will aid in better recruitment and retention of volun-teers.

Her colleagues lauded her for her patience, compassion, insight and sense of humor, all of which have far-reaching impact. ❤

6 CArEGIVErS Heart & Hands

Celebrate the Good Deed Doers in your life with a gift to CAREGIVERS!

Good Neighbor ♥ Jewel ♥ Gentlewoman ♥ Gentleman ♥ Diamond ♥ Capital Fellow ♥ Superhero ♥ Pearl ♥ Persona Grata ♥ Mensch

Back where I come from there are men who do nothing all day but good deeds. Th ey are called phila... er, phila... er, yes, er, Good Deed Doers. — Th e Wizard of OzDear Friend,

Each of us has at least one Good Deed Doer in our lives, one who has made a diff erence. You know…the Teacher, the Clergyman, your Aunt or Uncle, Sister or Brother, a Mentor, a Friend, your Mom or Dad. We invite you to say “Th ank You” to these special individuals by making a gift to CAREGIVERS in their honor or memory.

Th ese are the Jewels, the Good Neighbors, the Personas Gratas who have cared for you in the Past, who are there for you in the Present and will be here for you in the Future.

Not all of our Ventura County seniors are as fortunate to have this circle of care, and that’s when CAREGIVERS steps in to fi ll the gap by matching dedicated volunteers with needy homebound seniors.

Your gift honoring the Good Deed Doers in your life will help Ventura County continue to demonstrate how our community bans together to support our most valued elders. Look for your special someone(s) to be publicized in local media, on the CAREGIVERS website and in the next issue of Heart & Hands.

We look forward to adding you to our list of good people who contribute their time and resources to our mission of independent living for frail elders so that we can call you a Good Deed Doer, too.

With Gratitude,

Berta Steele Ginny Camarillo Volunteer Honorary Board Member

Mel SheelerBoard Member

P.S. If you are honoring and/or remembering more than one person, please use a separate piece of paper to list their names. Send to CAREGIVERS, 1765 Goodyear Avenue, Suite 205, Ventura, California 93003, or call (805) 658-8530. ❤

Betty Co� ey served by CAREGIVERS since 2013Mary Houghton served by CAREGIVERS since 2013Marguerite La Turner served by CAREGIVERS since 2003Mickey Lubansky served by CAREGIVERS since 2010Joann McCollum served by CAREGIVERS since 2009Antonio Meza served by CAREGIVERS since 2011Patricia Ogg served by CAREGIVERS since 2005Kay Richey served by CAREGIVERS since 2009Edna Runyon served by CAREGIVERS since 2005Tony Skwara served by CAREGIVERS since 2009Mildred Snowden served by CAREGIVERS since 2002Christa Luise Tuchton served by CAREGIVERS since 2010Vince Velez served by CAREGIVERS since 2005Rita Wood served by CAREGIVERS since 2012Lela Worth served by CAREGIVERS since 2012

served by CAREGIVERS since 2003

served by CAREGIVERS since 2010

In memory of our seniors...We celebrate the lives of the individuals who give meaning to our work.

MOVES & MILESTONES continued from page 1

Hannah Stonecypher

Courtney Darrough

CArEGIVErS Heart & Hands 7

Eleven year old Daniel Lancet presented the keynote address entitled, “Never Too Old” at the 2015 Evening of Gratitude. His remarks, which were written for his role as Ventura Mayor of the Moment in February 2014, brought a standing ovation.

“I’ve noticed that some people underestimate or simply do not care enough about the senior citizens around them. Some have said you can understand a lot about a culture and society by how they treat their elders,” Lancet said, further challenging the audience, “What does this say about our society if and when we stop taking care of our elders? What kind of world would you like to live in when you are old enough to retire? A world where you must work until you drop? Or where you live in isolation? Would you like to be treated as though your ideas are no longer needed? Or feel forgotten? Or, would you like to live in a world

Evening of Gratitude in which you know you count, your voice still matters, your experience is valued, you still have a community to be a part of and you know you are loved? Th e answers are obvious and yet we all know there is still a lot more we must do to assure that our seniors now and in the future are alive and well and a vital part of our lives.”

Hosted at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum on April 30, volunteers, donors and guests especially enjoyed the venue which features 500 years of fi ne art. Director and Curator Julia Chambers, along with the museum’s volunteer docents, welcomed the CAREGIVERS family with tours and explanation throughout the evening.

Herzog Wine Cellars and Royal Bakery are cornerstone sponsors for this special event along with MediTech Health Services, Community Memorial Health System, Ted Mayr Funeral Home, and Oxnard Family Circle. ❤

Th e City of Camarillo welcomed CAREGIVERS and the return of a two-day Celtic Faire that kicked off the morning of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Ventura.

Barring the wind that put a halt to Domino’s Pizza Truck and the outdoor fi lm planned for Friday evening, and the intense heat wave that fell upon Ventura County Saturday, the McGrath Family Wearin’ o’ the Green attracted thousands of participants over the course of the week’s activities.

Irish and Scottish dancers, and musicians entertained through-out the Celtic Faire along with the War Horse Foundation which received top billing in the local news. “I’m already envisioning next year,” said Co-Chair Jim Jacobs. “It was a pleasure to work with the CAREGIVERS staff to produce this event and our committee could not be more dedicated to such an important population as the seniors in our county.”

� e Players Casino hosted a Sunday poker night which further

added to the coff ers as well as attracting new interest from local people who had not previously been familiar with the CAREGIVERS mission.

Th e Wearin’ o’ the Green, which was founded 23 years ago by Jack Collings and Norm Weitzel, took on added meaning this year when the committee introduced the inaugural Norm Weitzel Open. Co-Chair Laura Robinson noted that the event attracted golfers we hadn’t seen in years. “Most of all, Norm’s torch burns and his Wearin’ o’ the Green legacy continues with enthusiastic support from his family and friends,” Robinson said.

Th e committees are beginning to take shape for next year even though the real planning won’t begin for a few months. Volunteerswho are interested in helping with event coordination are encouraged to contact the offi ce at (805) 658-8530. ❤

Th e Tribute Book is still available online at www.vccaregivers.org/tributebook.php

It’s a Wrap! 2015 McGrath Family 23rd Annual Wearin’ o’ the Green

1

2 3 4

1 4

2 3

Members of the War Horse and Militaria Heritage Foundation appear on Sunday, March 15 before heading to Belgium for a reenactment event. Honorees Nils Johnson and Blake Wade Celtic Faire Organizer Jim Jacobs Seamus McGrath was seen taking the Roadrunner Trolley from Leisure Village to the Celtic Faire throughout the weekend!

Daniel Lancet

Julia Chambers

Photos Courtesy of Volunteer Jamie Pliska

8 CArEGIVErS Heart & Hands

CAREGIVERS MISSIONTo promote the health, well-being, dignity and independence of frail, homebound

elders through one-on-one relationships with trusted volunteers.

NON-PROFIT ORGUS POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 415

OXNARD, CA1765 Goodyear Avenue, Suite 205Ventura, CA 93003-8015

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Phone (805) 658-8530Fax (805) 658-8537

www.vccaregivers.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS OUR TEAMHoward BoroughsLarry BusheyVirginia A. CamarilloJack CollingsAndy KillionAnna KittlesonFiona MaDan McGrathShane MorgerJudy � ieleJack TingstromHon. Harry WalshNorm Weitzel, In MemoriamKeith YorkJohn Zaruka

Marty Kaplan, Ph.D., Chair

Ann Romero, Vice Chair

Gail Field, Treasurer

Karen Jensen, R.N., Ph.D., SecretaryCecilia MaciasAugie MartinezJohn D. L. McBrideLaura RobinsonMel Sheeler

Tammy I. Glenn, M.B.A., Executive DirectorCourtney M. Darrough, Program ManagerGeorge Harrell, Building Bridges CoordinatorHannah Stonecypher, Administrative AssistantMarketa Pospechova, Program AssistantChristina Challey, Corporate RelationsCarolyn Gamble, Foundation RelationsLauri Barcelona, Barcelona BookkeepingLaura Cunz, RiversEdge Graphic Design

CAREGIVERS is one of the original pilot programs for volunteer caregiving — in the nation! Founded in 1984, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet collaborated with Trinity Lutheran Church, Ventura; First United Methodist Church, Ventura; Sisters of Holy Cross; National Council of Jewish Women; First United Methodist Women, Ventura; First Presbyterian Church, Santa Paula; Ventura County Church of Religious Science, and the Aid Association for Lutherans. CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly is committed to providing services, off ering employment and volunteer opportunities to all, without discriminating on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, national origin or disability.

Join other Volunteers for a cup of coffee or tea, and some delicious treats.

The CAREGIVERS team is pleased to host a monthly opportunity for you to visit, share your experiences, introduce a friend, and give us your

thoughts on how to improve the program.

Coff ee@CAREGIVERS11 a.m. to Noon • 4th � ursdays

CAREGIVERS O� ce • 1765 Goodyear in Ventura

Phone Friends Don’t call us! We’ll call you!Well, the truth is, you can call us anytime at (805) 658-8530. Please don’t, however, discount the power of a Phone Friend. If you’re a little lonely, let one of us at the offi ce know. Friendlycalls from CAREGIVERS volunteers are very comforting. Our offi ce team takes the same care to match a senior with a Phone Friend as we do to match our seniors with one-on-one volunteers who visit in person.

Phone Friends Don’t call us! We’ll call you!