SENIOR NEWS
A Newsletter for Camarillo Seniors
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021 | Issue #3
In This Issue:
Citizen Scientists
Poetry
Local Public Gardens
Just For Fun
Poetry Corner
Community Shred Event
Summer Concerts In The Park
Hiring Crossing Guards
Adult At-Risk ID Cards





CONTACT US VIA EMAIL: camarillocouncilonaging@gmail.com 
What is the Camarillo Council on Aging?
Recognizing that seniors are a significant and vital segment of the City’s population, the Camarillo City Council formed the Camarillo Council on Aging (CCOA).

The CCOA is an advisory body whose purpose is to provide a mechanism for the senior community to make recommendations regarding matters of concern to the City Council, the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, and other appropriate organizations and agencies. 

The CCOA meetings are open to anyone interested in senior issues. The CCOA seeks and values your input. 

Meetings are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 3pm at the Camarillo Public Library, except in August and December. 

Citizen Scientists
“Even the largest avalanche is triggered by small things” Vernor Vinge said.  Now, think about that for a moment... What if the avalanche was a breakthrough in the field of science? And it was YOU who did the small thing to make it possible? Wouldn’t that be something?

Guess what? There are small activities available in the world of science that anyone can do which have a profound impact on breakthrough research. It’s called being a Citizen Scientist. You don’t need to know how to divide the cells of a mongoose nor hold a PhD in the field of quantum physics. You just need to be willing to jump into the study.

You will be part of Federal Crowd sourcing that will accelerate science, technology, and innovation. As a citizen, you will address real world issues with your volunteer assistance. It is a way to harness the power of large groups of people with each one doing a small thing.

Watch how it works:  The Awesome Power of Citizen Science

You can look at the catalog of what is available: Citizen Science Catalog

So put your glasses on, or better yet, go get your binoculars out. Better put on some good shoes. Your feet might happen to get wet with something exciting and productive! Maybe you don’t want to leave your home, don’t let that stop you. You can also do research right in your home. The world is an endless supply of discovery and adventure, so let’s start an avalanche in the field of science breakthrough!
Poetry
Over the years you may have read poems by famous poets like William Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, and Robert Frost. But poetry doesn’t have to be written by famous people to be enjoyed. 

POETRY IS ABOUT HUMAN EXPRESSION
Reading poetry can be uplifting. Its subjects cover everything from love to loss, feelings and emotions, war, social issues, nature, etc. Reading or writing poetry can help one heal from sickness or the loss of a loved one. It can make you happy or help you find meaning in life. 

A BIT OF HISTORY
Poetry is one of five major forms of literature. It uses aesthetics (the nature of art, beauty, and taste) and rhythmic qualities such as phon-aesthetics (the study of beauty and pleasantness associated with the sounds of words).

ELEMENTS THAT BREATHE LIFE INTO A POEM
A poem contains three major elements; Rhyme, where identical or similar syllables at the end of a line of poetry are repeated in a verse. Meter, the basic rhythmic structure of a line of poetry consisting of two components: the syllables and the pattern of emphasis on those syllables. And finally Rhythm, the beat, and pace of a poem.

POETIC FORMS
Poetic forms have been developed by many cultures around the world. Below are a few you may recognize:

The sonnet (Europe) popular in the late Middle Ages is associated with vivid imagery and romantic love.

 A limerick (Ireland) often humorous with all the lines needing to have both rhyme and rhythm.

Haiku (Japan) is a popular form of unrhymed Japanese poetry written in a single vertical line.

TO READ POETRY
First Stop – Our own Camarillo Public Library.
Online suggestions:

“You can find poetry in your everyday life, in your memory, in what people say on the bus, in the news, or just what’s in your heart.” —Carol Ann Duffy
Our Local Public Gardens Are Open Again
Gardening continues to be a top ten favorite hobby for seniors. As Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, we can once again enjoy the wonderful gardens in our neighborhood.

The Pleasant Valley Historical Society Botanic Garden
720 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, CA 93010
(805) 482-3660 | pvhs@pvhsonline.org
The garden is open Saturdays and Sundays, 12pm - 4:00pm.
Admission is free.

Plants are identified with signage. The garden is designated an urban bee lab for UC-Berkeley. The Amish Gazebo is beautifully set in the middle of the garden and the gazebo can be reserved by PVHS Museum Members for small meetings or weddings by calling the phone number above or emailing pvhBill@gmail.com.

The Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
400 W Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 . 
The garden is open daily, 7:00am – 5:00pm.
Admission is free.

Located in the middle of Thousand Oaks, this garden includes 41 acres and 15 botanic gardens such as a California Native Garden with plants identified by signage, a butterfly garden, a children’s garden, and nature trails. Try the Wednesday plant sale from 9:00am - 12:00pm.

Ventura Botanical Gardens:
567 S. Poli St., Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 232-3113

The Ventura Botanical Gardens (VBG) is a 109 acre world-class site with spectacular views of the California coastline, verdant agricultural vistas, the Channel Islands and Ojai’s Topa Topa peak. With a 40-year master plan and already over 30,000 plants in the ground, the Gardens represent the five Mediterranean climate zones of the world; Chile, the Cape of South Africa, Southern Australia, the Mediterranean Basin, and California. These are low water climate zones, much like Ventura, allowing for long term sustainability. 

Gardens of the World 2001
2001 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(805) 557-1135 | Fax: (805) 777-1006 | Info@GardensOfTheWorld.Info
The gardens are open Tuesday through Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm
(Last entry is 4:30pm).
Admission is free.

The 4.5-acre garden features different gardens representing England, France, Italy, Japan and California Mission Courtyard.

The City of Camarillo Garden Website: Water-Wise Gardening in Camarillo, www.camarillogardening.com.

This website has a virtual tour where you can view color photos of 35 different types of gardens without leaving your home. The garden photos have links to plants with more detailed information.  This website makes it easier for you to learn about water efficient gardens and drought tolerant plants plus a detailed list of plants which will grow in Camarillo’s Climate Zone.

Now all you have to do is get out your calendar and schedule your visits! 
Just For Fun
Click on the links to view videos.
Poetry Corner
 Warning
By Jenny Joseph

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick the flowers in other people’s gardens
And learn to spit.
If you’d like to have a favorite poem included in the next edition, please send us your suggestions to: camarillocouncilonaging@gmail.com.
Community Shred Event
Free Summer Concerts In The Park
Now Hiring Crossing Guards
"Walk in Wednesdays" Adult At-Risk ID Cards
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