Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation

Health Expo II Promotes a Healthy Future

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:36:00 +0000

On Saturday, March 31st, CLVFF was pleased to partner again with Los Robes Hospital and provide the second Health Expo for the Conejo/Las Virgenes community. Over 300 participants attended the event, which this year included, low cost full blood panel screening and other health related tests performed by Los Robles Hospital.

Los Robles Hospital V.P. of Marketing, Kris Carraway-Bowman expressed appreciation to the Foundation for putting on the event: “We thank you for including us in this very important outreach.” Board Trustee and Event Co-chair, Louis Celaya stressed the importance of the Expo to the community. “Understanding the importance of a healthy life style is crucial for all, as the long term effects benefit our future. The Foundation was pleased we could bring this to share with the Conejo/Las Virgenes Community."

This year’s focus was on weight control and it relation to chronic diseases, and attendees were treated to talks from renowned physicians on heart health and how excess weight affects the body. A nutritionist also provided an afternoon session on how to eat to stay trimmed. In addition to the speaking topics, for the second year the Rotary Club of Calabasas held blood drive which was well attended. The Rotary was able to collect 42 pints of blood. Each pint of blood can save up to 3 lives.

In addition, 124 attendees took advantage of blood panel screening tests provided on site by Los Robles Hospital. CLVFF Director Karen Malatesta described it as “Los Robles bringing the medical services to the people instead of them having to bring themselves to the services.”

The Foundation was pleased to have 37 exhibitors at the event that provided a wealth of health related products and services available for attendees. For the second year, the foundation was fortunate to host the event at the Agoura Hills Calabasas Community Center, who graciously opened up their facility to the event. All event attendees had full access to the facility and classes available at no cost.

The Foundation wishes to thanks our sponsors for this years’ Expo: Los Robles Hospital, Agoura Hills Calabasas Community Center, Acorn Newspapers, Agoura Hills Senior Retreat, and Pain Management and Injury Relief Medical Center. Without these generous sponsors, this event is not possible! Thank you again for your continued support.

Agoura Animal Shelter Plays Host to Youth Congress Leadership Students

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:53:00 +0000

On March 21st, the Youth Congress Leadership students went to the Agoura Animal Shelter, where they learned about the various functions of the shelter and the various volunteer opportunities. First, the students went on a tour around the shelter, starting with the Spay and Neuter Center. Led by Animal Control Officer, Kelly Miller and Sergeant Chris Childs, the students were able to learn about what a daily routine in the center looked like. Furthermore, the students were able to spend time with the numerous adoption-waiting animals at the center, including dogs, cats, bunnies, two roosters, a duck, and even a horse. Finally, students were informed of the various volunteer opportunities offered at the shelter. Students who had an affinity towards animals and a desire to care for and tend for abandoned or stray animals were encouraged to apply. The student volunteers at the shelter expressed their happiness in helping out. For more information on the shelter, volunteer opportunities, or ways to adopt a pet, visit http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/.
Brian Chang

A Big Thank You to Our Health Expo Sponsors:

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:28:00 +0000

Los Robles Hospital

Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center

The Acorn Newspapers

Agoura Hills Senior Retreat

Pain Management and Injury Relief Medical Center

Community Health Expo II, March 31

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 18:30:00 +0000

Youth Congress Leadership Students Visit Calabasas Parks and Recreation Program

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:47:00 +0000

The Youth Congress Leadership Program visited the 30,000 square foot Agoura Hills / Calabasas Community Center on Wednesday, March 7th. The only joint venture Community Center, it offers numerous recreational, cultural, and educational programs to meet the needs of local residents. We were first shown the center itself and then went on a bus tour of several parks in Calabasas. Director of Community Services, Jeff Rubin, and his staff gave us such interesting information and answered all of our questions. The first stop was Juan Bautista de Anza Park, which features a conference room, 3 playgrounds, and a lighted multi-use game court. Mr. Rubin took pride in the fact that the park is always in great condition – broken nets are constantly replaced and courts are kept clean. We then visited the Bark Park for dogs. It, too, is tailored to the needs of both owner and dog and is always maintained to perfection. Our next stop: Gates Canyon Park, also known as Brandon’s Village. This park was specifically designed to provide play opportunities for both able-bodied children and children with disabilities. 70% of the utilities are accessible to children in wheelchairs, so they can engage alongside their siblings and other children. Mr. Rubin’s intern also presented to us the many opportunities for youth, including but not limited to the Teen Activities Council and the Teen Court. We finished the tour with delicious root-beer-float refreshments at the Tennis & Swim Center. Mr. Rubin hoped to change our opinions on community services and recreation – and he did just that.
Jane Chen

Leadership Youth Enjoy Root Beer Floats

Photos by Aakash Jha

Regional Art Museum Fund Raiser

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 21:07:00 +0000

www.westlakejuniors.org

Los Robles Hospital Gives Youth Congress Leadership Group a "Hands-on" Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:05:00 +0000

This week students visited Los Robles Hospital in order to learn more about the way the hospital runs, including various different areas within the hospital. The three featured departments were radiology, ER (Emergency Room), and surgery. During the radiology session, students were able to take a look at various different x-rays, CAT scans, and MRIs in order to determine various incidents that the hospital regularly encounters. During the ER session, students learned about the challenges of keeping order and efficiency in the hospital amidst the chaos and constantly increasing number of patients. Finally, during the surgery unit, students were able to use various surgical tools in a hands-on experience, where they realized the enormous challenges of operating with such miniature and intricate tools.
Brian Chang

Students Get First Hand Look at Surgical Tools

CLVFF's Community Health Expo II Features Free Health Screenings & Fitness Events

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:48:00 +0000

Click on image to enlarge

Healthy Living For A Healthy Future is the theme of Community Health Expo II, a free interactive event for the entire family brought to you by the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation. The second annual Expo takes place on Saturday, March 31st from 9am – 3pm at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center. Admission is free. “Last year’s Expo was a smash hit, so we are excited to bring this fun and informative event back to our community,” said Louis Celaya, Health Expo II Chair. Health Expo II features some of the most popular programs from last year, including a wide range of exhibits, product demonstrations, and eye-opening lectures from experts on hot topics including heart health and nutrition.

The Rotary Club of Calabasas will again be sponsoring a blood drive (walk ins welcome, or sign up in advance at www.calabasasrotary.org). Take advantage of free blood pressure and BMI screenings, and new this year the Los Robles Hospital Medical Center will be offering blood panel screenings for only $25, including a blood count, lipid profile, and glucose and PSA screenings. Limited space for walk-ins - See the advance sign-up form above – an 8 hour fast is required if you would like to take advantage of this service. The Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center’s workout facilities and rock climbing wall will be available for use at no charge – attendees are welcome to try out the facilities or join the fitness instructors for free classes. You won’t want to miss the healthy meals, snacks, and smoothies offered throughout the day by the Organic Oasis food truck.

This free event is brought to you by the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation in association with The Acorn, Los Robles Hospital Medical Center, and the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center.

Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities for the Community Health Expo II are still available. To find out more, call (818) 880-1054.

Youth Congress Visits Cal Lutheran University

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 18:28:00 +0000

On Wednesday, February 8th, Youth Congress Leadership Program participants visited Cal Lutheran University (CLU). First, the Campus Experience Coordinator, Wes Sullivan, welcomed and congratulated us on taking the first step on the journey of colleges and careers. He talked about school life from a more academic standpoint, discussing subject variety, academic liberty, integration with community, and religious freedom on campus. He then yielded the floor to the Student Body President, Jesse McClain, who related to us his experiences and how CLU allows him to express and explore his talents. He answered our questions regarding college life and the balance between academics and recreation on campus; from mountain biking to social clubs to singing in choir, CLU offers something for everyone. We then separated into groups and took a tour of the 225-acre campus. We were shown the comfortable dorms, the classrooms that accommodate twenty or so students, the chemistry laboratories, CLU’s state-of-the-art green building, and the athletic fields. The meeting concluded with a question and answer session with Director of Admission, Michael Elgarico, who told us that because so many applicants have incredible grades and high SAT scores, what really makes an individual stand out is their extracurricular activities. Overall, this was an informative meeting that broadened our college perspectives.
Jane Chen

Regional Art Museum Sponsors Lecture

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:29:00 +0000

Senior Congress VIII, “Best Ever”

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:26:00 +0000

Some 300 seniors attended the Eighth Annual Senior Congress hosted by the Future Foundation at St. Max’s Church on February First. Most of the attendees were from Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas and neighboring communities, but a handful came from as far as Pacific Palisades and Santa Barbara. Participants were treated to five dynamic presenters covering this year’s theme, “Eat, Play, Sleep: Healthy Senior Living.” Attendees were welcomed with free coffee in the morning and provided with their choice of a healthy lunch sandwich from Sprouts.

The impressive list of speakers included: Andrea Gallagher, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), Life Coach, President, Rethinking Your Future and Co-President, Senior Concerns; Tori Cohen, RD, Clinical Nutrition Manager, Los Robles Regional Medical Center; John Horton, MD, Family Practice; Andrea Koval, Director, Goebel Senior Adult Center; and Andres E. Giron, MD, Sleep Specialty.

Dr. Giron's Discusses Sleep

Comments from attendees who filled out the evaluation forms were overwhelmingly positive. Actual comments included: “best ever; very helpful; excellent; very well done; well organized; worth coming for; useful; current; very nice; great exposure to many options; informative and educational.” One participant said “please continue these programs.” And another asked, “Can you do this in Santa Monica or L.A.? Please!” The lunch from Sprouts was also described as the “best ever,” and “fantastic.” Many seniors appreciated that a veggie sandwich was included in the lunch choices.

The number and quality of the sponsor exhibits also drew praise: “wonderful information; very helpful; a great forum.” The speakers were described as: "excellent; interesting; engaging; informative; outstanding; terrific; and exceptional." They liked one presenter's sense of humor and describe another as "fun and good." But the main emphasis seemed to be on information and learning and every presenter got high marks in that regard. One senior pointed out that the audience itself was a great resource: “Networking with other seniors was invaluable.”

Overall, Senior Congress VIII was a great success. Committee Chair, Carolyn Kopp, MS, CMC and the twenty members of the Senior Congress VIII Committee did an outstanding job in organizing and conducting this year’s event.

Photos by Pat Morgan

Four Seasons Hotel Introduces Hospitality Industry to Youth Congress Leadership

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:43:00 +0000

Fountain at the Four Seasons Hotel

On January 11th, Youth Congress Leadership Program participants toured the Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village. The Four Seasons is an idyllic retreat enclosed by pine trees and a waterfall lawn area, a tranquil escape from daily stress. We toured its deluxe fitness room, luxurious pools and spas, grand ballroom, longevity center, three kitchens, Chinese-influenced garden, among much more. At the end of the tour, we had a question-and-answer session with the hotel’s Director of Human Resources,
Mr. Jim Cathcart. He encouraged us to consider a future in the hotel business because it offers something for everyone. Be it management, public relations or cuisine, this field can accommodate a variety of personal interests.

We learned that the one crucial quality human resource managers look for is hospitality – customers are “Gods”. As Mr. Cathcart said, the staff is trained so that “every pore of their body is bursting with happiness”. For example, guests who pay thousands of dollars per night for the Presidential Suite have their every need and desire catered to in the same manner as guests who are lodged in a standard suite: there is no such thing as “no”. We also learned about the hierarchy of the hotel system. Almost all hotel personnel begin working as a secretary or assistant and work their way up as they spend more time in the industry, although people with college degrees in the Hospitality Industry field tend to secure higher level positions. Their success is determined by personal resolve and ability. Overall, this gave us a valuable opportunity to see how a hotel is run and showed us a greener, serene space hidden in the corners of Westlake Village.

Story by Jane Chen

Scroll down for more photos.

Youth Congress Leadership 2012 Officers:

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:56:00 +0000

Co-Chairs: Jane Chen & Brian Chang

Vice Chair: Aakash Jha

Secretary: Vasant Iyer

Historian: Inez Lam

Follow-Up Chair: Michael Cozzi

Youth Congress Leadership Tours Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:04:00 +0000

Photos are by Aakash Jha

Senior Congress VIII is February 1, 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Youth Leadership Visits Sheriff's Station

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:15:00 +0000

On December 7th, the Youth Congress Leadership Program participants visited the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station on Agoura Road. Deputy DeSantis and Deputy Rule reminded us of the consequences of drug use and reckless driving by detailing recent tragedies that resulted for many teens. They went on to describe the county and state jails where inmates are confined to very small, shared spaces, solidifying our resolve to act responsibly. We then had a question-and-answer session where we learned how curfew rules are enforced and that our parents are obligated to provide only house, food, and clothes. Overall, the visit reminded us why it is important to make wise decisions and furthered our appreciation of the personnel’s efforts at the Sheriff Station.

Jane Chen, Westlake High School

CLVFF Future Notes: In 5 Years, Computers Will Be Mind Readers - IBM

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:18:00 +0000

"Keyboards and mice may seem like clunky artifacts of the past within the next five years, pushed aside in favor of the ultimate user interface: the human mind.

That’s according to IBM, which just published its “5 in 5″ forecast: a prediction about five innovations that will fundamentally change our world within the next five years. The most head-turning prediction: we’ll be able to use the power of our minds to operate machines."

For the full story go to Mashable Tech.

Teen Assist Card Now Available Online

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:28:00 +0000

Click image to enlarge.

Photos From Youth Congress Leadership Opening Session

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:40:00 +0000

The 2011 - 2012 Youth Congress Leadership program got underway with an orientation meeting at the Scherr Forum Theater in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. Javier LaFianza, president and chief executive officer of Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, spoke about the qualities of leadership and stressed that the youth of America are “not just the leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today.” He reminded the students that “leadership requires action, not just talking about it or holding a leadership title” and shared examples of HOBY alumni who have “impacted lives and communities in a very positive way” by following their passion and a commitment to service.

Javier LaFianza, President & CEO, Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership

Youth Leadership Announces Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:44:00 +0000

The Future Foundation's Youth Leadership Program has announced its 2011 - 2012 schedule. This year's participants will get first hand introductions to public and private organizations with a central role in the life of our community. From government and law enforcement to business and education, community leaders have stepped forward to provide an inside-the-scenes look at how they conduct business and the benefits they provide to the community. It is a great opportunity for teens to gain special insight into the organizations they themselves might want to be a part of in the future. Here is the schedule:

Wednesday, November 16, 2011, Leadership Orientation
4:00 p.m. Thousand Oaks Civics Arts Plaza- Scherr Forum Theater, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.,
Thousand Oaks

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 Law Enforcement
4:00 p.m. Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station 27050 Agoura Road, Calabasas

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Business
4:00 p.m. Four Seasons Hotel, Two Dole Drive, Westlake Village

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 Leadership/Public Speaking
4:00 p.m. Toastmasters, Westlake Village City Hall (Community Room),
Westlake Village

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 Education
4:00 p.m. California Lutheran University, Meeting location-to be announced

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 Health Services
4:00 p.m. Los Robles Medical Center, 215 West Janss Road, Thousand Oaks

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Parks and Recreation
4:00 p.m. Calabasas Parks and Recreation, Meeting location-to be announced

Wednesday, March 21, 2012 Human Services
4:00 p.m. Agoura Hills Animal Shelter, 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills

Wednesday, April 4, 2012 City Government
4:00 p.m. Thousand Oaks City Hall, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 Wrap-Up and Kiwanis Dinner,
Meeting time & location-to be announced

Deadline Nears for Youth Leadership Applications

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:08:00 +0000

Applications for the Youth Leadership Program are due in the Foundation office by November 1st.

Meetings will take place throughout the region. This is a great opportunity for teens to learn more about how their community works. Some of the venues include the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station, Los Robles Hospital, Thousand Oaks City Hall and the Agoura Hills Animal Shelter.

An application form can be found at the tab on the top left of this page. Call Youth Leadership Program Chair, Mario Metzger at (805) 907-8290 or Karen Malatesta, Executive Director of the Foundation at (818) 880-1054 with any questions that you may have.

Youth Leadership Program is Accepting Applications

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:42:00 +0000

Applications for the Youth Congress Leadership Program are now being accepted. All students in grades 9-12 who attend school in the Conejo/Las Virgenes region are eligible.

2009 Youth Leadership

Students accepted into this program will have the opportunity to develop effective leadership skills while learning more about their communities. The areas covered are: Introduction to Leadership, Local Government, Law Enforcement, Health Services, Recreation, Education, Human Services, and Business. The programs will be conducted by representatives from each of the above entities and the students will meet at the particular venue where the speaker works such as the sheriff’s station, city hall, hospital, etc. Each program will be very different and will range from tours, discussions, presentations, and more. All of the cities in the region will be participating. At the end of the program, students will be encouraged to participate in a community service project of their choosing.

The meetings will take place from 4-5:30 p.m. on the following Wednesdays: November 16, 2011, December 7, 2011, January 11, 2012, January 25, 2012, February 8, 2012, February 22, 2012, March 7, 2012, March 21, 2012, April 4, 2012, April 18, 2012. This will make a total of 10 meetings.

Applications must be submitted by November 1, 2011 and students will be notified of their acceptance into the program by November 10, 2011. Attendance is important. Please check your calendar to make sure that you can attend all or most of the meetings. Students are responsible for their own transportation.

This is the third year of the Leadership Program, which follows twenty-five years of successful Youth Congresses sponsored by the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation. It has proven to be a very popular program, so we encourage students to apply early as there is a limit to the number that we can accommodate.

An application form can be found at one of the tabs at the top of this page. Call Youth Leadership Program Chair, Mario Metzger at (805) 907-8290 or Karen Malatesta, Executive Director of the Foundation at (818) 880-1054 with any questions that you may have.

Auction to Benefit Regional Art Museum

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:54:00 +0000

This invitation watercolor by Phyllis Doyon is a signature painting by the
local artist for the “Doyon in Action” Gallery event.

The moment Phyllis Doyon puts down her brushes, her newly completed painting will go up for sale! An immediate auction of the evening’s centerpiece demonstration will benefit RAM (Regional Art Museum). The renowned watercolorist is offering her spontaneously created painting to the highest bidder.

The mid-week event at the Thousand Oaks Community Gallery will be 7-9pm, Wednesday, September 28th and features “Doyon in Action,” a watercolor painting demonstration. Original artwork and prints by Doyon and Pam Solakian will be on sale in addition to the auction of the centerpiece painting. The $5 admission includes a raffle ticket for selected artwork and the proceeds will benefit RAM.

An art teacher for over 30 years, Phyllis Doyon lives in Camarillo where in her spacious studio she paints daily. Her subjects vary from still life —floral, fruits, vegetables—to local and distant landscapes. Her medium of choice is watercolor, but she also uses acrylic paints, printing inks for mono prints and etchings, and a variety of things to create mixed media and collages.

The award winning artist has had over forty solo shows and her paintings are in various private and corporate collections throughout the United States, England, Canada, France, Mexico and Greece. She is a former Board Member of the National Watercolor Society having serving as Fourth Vice President— Publicity. Phyllis is a member of the Collage Society of America, the Channel Islands Art Center, the Thousand Oaks Art Association, Women Painters West, and serves on RAM’s Education Committee. The Thousand Oaks Community Gallery is located at 2331 Borchard Road in Newbury Park. Current members of the Regional Art Museum will be admitted free.

Committee Seeks New Foundation Trustees

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 22:06:00 +0000

The 2011-2012 Nominating Committee will convene in September to select qualified candidates for election to the Board of Trustees for terms commencing January 1, 2012. Recommendations from the membership would be appreciated and may be submitted to the Foundation office at any time.

The Nominating Committee, headed by Dennis Washburn, former mayor and councilmember of the City of Calabasas, will be seeking individuals who have demonstrated a sense of responsibility and interest in the quality of life in the community and who are willing to devote time and effort to the goals of the Foundation. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved in the future planning of the Conejo/Las Virgenes region and to interact with other community leaders.

Candidates will be reviewed from September through October. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Trustees, or if you would like to recommend someone, please call the Foundation office at 818-880-1054 for additional information.

noreply@blogger.com (Ed Corridori) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 19:11:00 +0000

"The past can't see you, but the future is listening."
Terri Guillemets